Spring Ice
I've been feeling a bit antsy online lately,hence my absence. I think it's just the season change. There's a restlessness in the air just waiting for things to begin. A couple of weeks ago we had a huge snow storm. We went visit my brother for his birthday and ended up snowed in for 3 days. It was fun to be snowed in with friends.I'd like to say we reconnected playing old-fashioned board games by candlelight, but actually we cable-less folks enjoyed some premium cable allowing us to catch up on some Project Runway and to see all of the most recent season of Weeds without waiting for the release on dvd.
I was lucky enough to get the most recent issue of Dwell at the library. It's a really great issue. There's a great slide show of the George Nakashima Compound. If you watched the PBS series American Craft, you may remember a segment with his daughter. I also really loved the house based on a historic barn featured on the cover. It's such a beautiful combination of the modern and historic. My own house is so full of color and pattern,which is one of my favorite things about it. I love the exact opposite in this interior.
I now have some pieces in brick and mortar stores. You can find coterie pieces at one of my favorite spots, Cosmic Collectibles in Lakewood. They can also be found at Stash Style in Chagrin Falls.
There's nothing like some new music to usher in the new season. We've been listening to the Chris Walla cd as well as really,really enjoying Thao.
How much does it date me to say that she reminds me of Edie Brickell?
Take that spring
I spent yesterday working in the studio. I've realized that my idea that I could use the same table for jewelry and craft projects as I use for sewing, was not very well thought out. I'm never really at an ending point to clean up all that accumulates there, and even if I was I'm not sure where it would all reside while I use the table for sewing. I need to keep my eye out for something else. A lot of people sew on the floor, but I can't quite imagine how this works.Then again, I'm not the most coordinated person in the world. I listened to The Reindeer Section the whole time. It's been a really long time since I've listened to them. Whenever I put it on,after a long time, I always think,"Oh where have you been?". If you visit the site, I recommend listening to Your Sweet Voice. A wonderfully cohesive collaboration before Gary Lightbody was "discovered" by Grey's Anatomy.
sunshine
I realized as I posted this picture here, that I posted a nearly identical picture last spring.But, then I thought, isn't that was awaiting spring is all about anyway? Knowing and looking forward to that green bud we know will come year after year. Forcing a little green is kind of irresistible in February.
My last post I think I mentioned trying to get through February. Funny that it is the shortest month and yet it always feels the longest. I guess my silence means it's been a but of struggle. It's amazing what a say or two of sunshine will do for you. Even knowing that there will still be snow (last year we were snowed in on Easter, for crying out loud.), it just feels so good. Ramona and I have been out for long,long walks this weekend. It's time to lose that winter layer.
Here's a little B&S sunshine for you.
Maybe four years ago I remember listening to the Promise Ring's Wood/Water a lot around this time of year. Because of that, I always think of these lyrics when things show signs of thawing:
Spring cleaning's coming as we lose the cold weather
Put away your long johns and all your thick sweaters
We'll cut off all our winter hair
Sit out on the lawn chairs
As the sun forgets that we're here
We forget our career
All the lukewarm weeks at sixty degrees
We're hoping it's humid show our summer knees
Once in a lifetime once in a while the sun will shine on me
Grey Days
Is there a name for those endless days this time of year? My head is so achy and heavy and that I cannot for the life of me think of one. I can think of names for other times of the year but not this one.So, needless to say the weeks have been a bit long. It always makes me think of the Shins lyric, "The years have been short but the days go slowly by". I was listening to the Shins on repeat while finishing up some things for a Cleveland Handmade show at Silverthorne Gallery. (If you are in the area it's up until the end of the month). Maybe it was all the time spent in a VERY cold attic, but I've been sick all weekend. I am so.tired.of.being.sick. This has been a truly rough January.
The picture above was taken through one of my favorite candlesticks.
I have had my eye on them for quite awhile. I imagined them looking lovely on the mantle, but the realities of very thin glass on a mantle above a ceramic tile hearth and two cats and at least one very clumsy owner, it was not to be. After I broke one just minutes after arranging them, it was clear they needed a new home. Luckily they fit on the window ledge of the very high leaded glass window in the dining room. It turned out to be good decision because looking at the way the light shines through them gives me a lot of pleasure.
I just finished this book and really enjoyed it. It's been a bit difficult to throw myself into a new book, after enjoying that one so much. This always seems to happen to me. I did score this at the library, so I'm trying to make a sewing goal for the month. Also, the I'm Not There soundtrack has been playing a whole lot around here. It's so,so good. In the meantime, I'll be checking Leya's blog to see what other people's solutions are to these days.
To Market
I know I've shared some pictures from the West Side Market before, but going there just makes me so happy. Besides, we did get a new camera for Christmas so these are much better. Devin took these. I was too busy looking for the best grapefruit.
It's crazy cold outside. I keep feeling like I should be baking or doing something industrious, but I can't seem to move from this very warm spot.
It's crazy cold outside. I keep feeling like I should be baking or doing something industrious, but I can't seem to move from this very warm spot.
Primary Colors
Yes, Devin chose that cheesy,if appropriate title. I was feeling so good about blogging in the new year. And then I got the flu again. This time is was a different kind of flu. And by different, I mean the kind that leaves you ten pounds lighter. Ahem. Well, on to more pleasant things. I wanted to share this great coat rack that I found on clearance at Anthropologie. We both have an insane number of coats and jackets,plus grocery bags,etc., so additional hanging space was really needed. Plus,it's more immediate than where we normally hang our coats,which (hopefully) will help us resist the urge to pile everything on a dining room chair.
As you can see, the kitchen is bright yellow and white. Recently, red has become a regular accent color. I hope to share some more of the red in my kitchen,including another great Anthro clearance item.
I also wanted to share some of the handmade that was given this Christmas. Outside of my jewelry Hannah was the recipient of the most. This is the collage I gave her for her new apartment:
One of her other requests was for coasters that "look like your stuff". I was a little pressed for time and experimentation,so I actually used these with my own images. Here is one of them:
We enjoyed a big day out today, mostly full of fun for Ramona. Getting lots of attention while we make a return to JCrew, running off leash, hiking,and the dog park. Needless to say she's pooped. We're a little pooped too. Nose to the grindstone tomorrow,though because I have some sweet items for Valentine's Day to show you.
As you can see, the kitchen is bright yellow and white. Recently, red has become a regular accent color. I hope to share some more of the red in my kitchen,including another great Anthro clearance item.
I also wanted to share some of the handmade that was given this Christmas. Outside of my jewelry Hannah was the recipient of the most. This is the collage I gave her for her new apartment:
One of her other requests was for coasters that "look like your stuff". I was a little pressed for time and experimentation,so I actually used these with my own images. Here is one of them:
We enjoyed a big day out today, mostly full of fun for Ramona. Getting lots of attention while we make a return to JCrew, running off leash, hiking,and the dog park. Needless to say she's pooped. We're a little pooped too. Nose to the grindstone tomorrow,though because I have some sweet items for Valentine's Day to show you.
New Year = Cinnamon Rolls
I've been wanting to make a New Years post for awhile, but, as usual, I just write them in my head and never actually type them. We didn't do anything too exciting. We did watch Once, though and that made me very happy. I was so sick over the holidays that I feel as if I'm just now getting back in the swing of things.So, thinking New Year's thoughts, I came across Hannah's New Year post. It just seemed so perfect and included so many of the little things that have been in my mind, that I'm going to cop out and say read it for yourself. Besides, her blog is lovely.
I've been out of cinnamon since Christmas, which is probably why I was craving it so much. Having finally replaced it in my pantry, I decided that cinnamon rolls were in order for Sunday morning. I've never actually made cinnamon rolls before. I think I avoided them because I thought that their rise time was much longer and frankly, I'm more of an immediate gratification kind of girl when it comes to eating breakfast. As it turn out it's not bad at all. I used Nigella's Norwegian Cinnamon Bun recipe and it turned out great. These will be made again.
Norwegian Cinnamon Buns
Dough:
4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 1/4-ounce packages of yeast
scant 1/2 cup butter
1 2/3 cup milk
2 eggs
Filling:
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 egg, beaten to glaze
Combine flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Melt butter and whisk it into the milk and eggs. Stir into the flour mixture. Mix until combined and then knead dough until smooth and springy. Let rise in oiled bowl (covered) for 25 minutes.
Roll one third of dough into a rectangle and place in bottom of pan. Roll remaining dough into a large rectangle and spread with the filling mixture. Roll up from the longest side and cut into 3/4" slices. Place them on top of the dough already in the pan and brush with egg wash. Let rise for 15 minutes.
Bake at 450 for 20 - 25 minutes.
I had some help in the kitchen:
Later in the afternoon, we went to see Juno. You know when they call something the "feel good movie of the year" and you're not really sure what that is supposed to really mean? Well, I think that Juno really lives up to that cliche. Seriously, I was in such a great mood leaving that movie.
We're off to enjoy some of this crazy weather. I do appreciate not needing a jacket in Cleveland in January and yet it creeps me out big time. It just makes me feel weird. The wind doesn't help. Hopefully I can get this scaredy cat of a golden retriever to brave the gusts for a much needed afternoon hike.
I've been out of cinnamon since Christmas, which is probably why I was craving it so much. Having finally replaced it in my pantry, I decided that cinnamon rolls were in order for Sunday morning. I've never actually made cinnamon rolls before. I think I avoided them because I thought that their rise time was much longer and frankly, I'm more of an immediate gratification kind of girl when it comes to eating breakfast. As it turn out it's not bad at all. I used Nigella's Norwegian Cinnamon Bun recipe and it turned out great. These will be made again.
Norwegian Cinnamon Buns
Dough:
4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 1/4-ounce packages of yeast
scant 1/2 cup butter
1 2/3 cup milk
2 eggs
Filling:
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 egg, beaten to glaze
Combine flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Melt butter and whisk it into the milk and eggs. Stir into the flour mixture. Mix until combined and then knead dough until smooth and springy. Let rise in oiled bowl (covered) for 25 minutes.
Roll one third of dough into a rectangle and place in bottom of pan. Roll remaining dough into a large rectangle and spread with the filling mixture. Roll up from the longest side and cut into 3/4" slices. Place them on top of the dough already in the pan and brush with egg wash. Let rise for 15 minutes.
Bake at 450 for 20 - 25 minutes.
I had some help in the kitchen:
Later in the afternoon, we went to see Juno. You know when they call something the "feel good movie of the year" and you're not really sure what that is supposed to really mean? Well, I think that Juno really lives up to that cliche. Seriously, I was in such a great mood leaving that movie.
We're off to enjoy some of this crazy weather. I do appreciate not needing a jacket in Cleveland in January and yet it creeps me out big time. It just makes me feel weird. The wind doesn't help. Hopefully I can get this scaredy cat of a golden retriever to brave the gusts for a much needed afternoon hike.
Holiday Sweetness
Just wanted to share a picture of these Christmas Eve goodies we picked up in Little Italy. I got to try out our new camera. I'm looking forward to learning all of it's ins and outs. Unfortunately, I've been quite sick for the entirety of Christmas vacation so I'm not sure I tasted any of the icing or the pastry cream. I also managed to cough my way through Atonement and Sweeney Todd. So, finally beginning to mend in time for the holiday to be over. What can you do?
Merry Christmas to Devin
Devin's big Christmas present was the first professional recording session for our music project, Prairie Fire Organizing Committee. We're recording an ep of songs based on the poems of Richard Brautigan. I just wanted to share some of the images from our time spent in the studio. We're recording at Metrosync. Back in the day, it was a radio station. The Beatles once played live in the room where we're recording.
this time last year
I've been thinking a lot about this same time last year. I do quite a bit of that comparing one year to another.I actually started my very first blog entry with similar sentiments. Without going into too much detail, last fall was a really rough time. It was made even rougher by the fact that we were 4 hours from our families. I remember one particularly difficult day I was going to go out to buy Christmas cards. I was getting ready to go, and I thought,"I should just make Christmas cards,it would be a nice distraction". I sat down with the computer and began looking for ideas and I stumbled upon the crafty blog world. It somehow felt like a revelation to me and comforted me so much.
Finding so much inspiration has meant so much for me. I can't imagine how different my life would be right at this moment if I hadn't made this discovery. I'm so thankful for all of it.
When We Covered Cleveland in Ivy
So, its not very Christmasy, but I guess it is very seasonal, particularly if you live in Iowa. I was catching up on Tiffany's blog when I came across this quiz. I decided to take it,and while I don't want to reveal my personal results it did get me thinking about this guy. I'm not just saying that because he's my very own congressman. Actually it reminded me of a really great Dave Egger's story. The published version was included in his short story collection How We Are Hungry. However you can read another really great version here. It might be a little silly, but I have to think that crazy idealism isn't such a bad thing.
Meanwhile we are turning the corner of one week until Christmas. I have a few more crafty projects up my sleeve. We'll see how many I get done. I had decided not to bake any presents, but then I saw this post and I'm all a flutter with ideas. I'll let you know what the next few days bring. For now,I'm just listening to this and looking at this:
Oh magazines
I have a bit of a magazine problem. I'm fairly selective, but I still manage to read dozens of titles each month. A few of these I subscribe to, but many others I check out from the library. I am fortunate to have an AMAZING library, which is a bit enabling. I really just wanted to share a little bit of news with you. I just heard that Blueprint will no longer be regularly published, but instead become an occasional special guide and also be included with Martha Stewart Weddings. I like Blueprint a lot.I was really happy when it seemed to be gaining some footing and it went to being a regular bi-monthly publication instead of just quarterly. That said I probably prefer Domino. It does make for one less temptation at the checkout line.
In more exciting news, Nylon magazine is teaming up with Urban Outfitters this year. I love Nylon for the coverage of emerging designers and artists and they have fantastic music reviews among other things. I used to have trouble choosing between the now defunct Jane and Nylon. Now that my Jane subscription has been replaced by the publisher with another magazine that I would never read outside of a waiting room, this is not a problem. For a limited time you can get a FREE subscription to Nylon here.
I wish I hadn't recently caved and bought a subscription, but for those of you who don't already receive it, take advantage of this great deal.
I'm it!
Jessica tagged me last week. It's taken me awhile to reply but here goes...
The Rules:
1. Link to your tagger (see above), and also post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself (random or weird) on your blog.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are TAGGED by leaving a comment on their blog.
So, it appears some random facts are in order.
1. I was married in San Francisco's city hall. The photographer was our witness. We had lunch afterwards at the Asian Museum. That evening we went to SFMOMA and ate dinner at Millennium. This is one of my favorite pictures:
2. I used to be an opthalmic assistant. I was pretty good at it and it was really interesting, but the medical field is not so much for the creative types. Also, I was really squeamish in surgery.
3.I've been the nanny off and on for a wonderful family for the past 3 years. I love them so much They are now expecting their 6th child. I actually find it way easier an more interesting to nanny for a big family than just one child. Here's the sad princess:
4. I don't make my bed. Actually, I do sometimes, but I have a hard time getting in to the habit. I really love when the bed is made, it makes me feel all organized and together. I can make it for days and days and then poof! one day the habit has disappeared. Good habits are really hard to start. This reminds me of a Mitch Hedberg quote. "People who smoke cigarettes, they say "You don't know how hard it is to quit smoking." Yes I do. It's as hard as it is to start flossing."
5. I love Mitch Hedberg. I'm not really a stand up comedy kind of a girl, but he makes me laugh so much. I found out that he had died when a band opening for Bob Dylan in Chicago dedicated a song to him. We were in the highest possible seats. I literally had vertigo. I kept thinking I must have heard them wrong, but sadly, I had not.
6. I have a very recent obsession with potato chips on sandwiches. Mostly jalapeno or salt and pepper. I'm not sure how I went to long without fully appreciating this. I'm thinking it's kind of like vegetarian bacon.
7.For two and half years, we were tough dog owners. Ok,not so much tough, but we did follow the no dogs in bed rule. Then, one night, Devin had trouble sleeping and he went and got Ramona. That was that. We really get so much pleasure out of having her there, that we keep asking each other how we managed for so long without her. I mean how did we resist this face:
I've waited so long to do this, that it seems like everyone has already been tagged. So, I'm tagging just three:
Jen
Claudia
Ashley
The Rules:
1. Link to your tagger (see above), and also post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself (random or weird) on your blog.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are TAGGED by leaving a comment on their blog.
So, it appears some random facts are in order.
1. I was married in San Francisco's city hall. The photographer was our witness. We had lunch afterwards at the Asian Museum. That evening we went to SFMOMA and ate dinner at Millennium. This is one of my favorite pictures:
2. I used to be an opthalmic assistant. I was pretty good at it and it was really interesting, but the medical field is not so much for the creative types. Also, I was really squeamish in surgery.
3.I've been the nanny off and on for a wonderful family for the past 3 years. I love them so much They are now expecting their 6th child. I actually find it way easier an more interesting to nanny for a big family than just one child. Here's the sad princess:
4. I don't make my bed. Actually, I do sometimes, but I have a hard time getting in to the habit. I really love when the bed is made, it makes me feel all organized and together. I can make it for days and days and then poof! one day the habit has disappeared. Good habits are really hard to start. This reminds me of a Mitch Hedberg quote. "People who smoke cigarettes, they say "You don't know how hard it is to quit smoking." Yes I do. It's as hard as it is to start flossing."
5. I love Mitch Hedberg. I'm not really a stand up comedy kind of a girl, but he makes me laugh so much. I found out that he had died when a band opening for Bob Dylan in Chicago dedicated a song to him. We were in the highest possible seats. I literally had vertigo. I kept thinking I must have heard them wrong, but sadly, I had not.
6. I have a very recent obsession with potato chips on sandwiches. Mostly jalapeno or salt and pepper. I'm not sure how I went to long without fully appreciating this. I'm thinking it's kind of like vegetarian bacon.
7.For two and half years, we were tough dog owners. Ok,not so much tough, but we did follow the no dogs in bed rule. Then, one night, Devin had trouble sleeping and he went and got Ramona. That was that. We really get so much pleasure out of having her there, that we keep asking each other how we managed for so long without her. I mean how did we resist this face:
I've waited so long to do this, that it seems like everyone has already been tagged. So, I'm tagging just three:
Jen
Claudia
Ashley
Post Bazaar
Phew! The craziness of preparing for my first craft show is finally over. It went really well, and it was really fun, albeit a bit chilly. The building was pretty cool and it was kind of great to be downtown all day. I finally got to meet some of my crew from Cleveland Handmade, which was exciting. I had the pleasure of being between Oh Melisa! and the Cleveland based letterpress goodness that it Oddball Press.I had my eye on some squids across the way, but never actually got around to doing much shopping. I'm looking forward to doing more shows in the future.
Jessica tagged me last week and I owe her some random facts, but I'll save that for later. For now it's a day for pancake eating, laundry doing, movie watching.
are you my uncle?
Last week we had the good fortune of going to visit my brother and sister in law and our one and only niece. It was great to spend some time with them. Like last time we had a delicious brunch at Blue Max Coffee.
As brief as our trip was, I did manage to squeeze in a little shopping. I splurged on some delicious Beemster gouda at the Marion Street Cheese Market. I also spent a fair amount of time salivating at Paper Source. It's crazy how much paper makes me happy.
In other news, I was accepted into this years Bazaar Bizarre. I'm pretty excited and pretty nervous as well. Today is my one week countdown, so if I am even more absent than usual, this is the reason. I am holed up in the attic making, making, making. If you are in the area come on down!
I Live in the Twentieth Century
I live in the Twentieth Century
and you lie here beside me. You
were unhappy when you fell asleep
There was nothing I could do about
it. I felt helpless. Your face
is so beautiful that I cannot stop
to describe it, and there's nothing
I can do to make you happy while
you sleep.
- Richard Brautigan
One of my most favorite poems, I just wanted to share on this windy,rainy, November night.
fall back
I finally managed to harvest lavender,thyme,mint,and sage from the garden to dry. The stairway smells amazing! I'm hoping that it will find its way into some Christmas presents. Soap? Linen water? Any suggestions?
A new wreath for the front door thanks to the Halloween clearance.
I hate how fast the retail world moves, but I have to say that I feel a little giddy when the Christmas stuff starts to make an appearance. I can't help myself.
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