Wednesday, December 10, 2008

{old lady}

today I came across a blog called {Old Lady}
I thought it would be some chic fashion blog- {maybe vintage, artsy…}
What I found was so much more…
It’s a poignant blog by a highschool {senior} I think –
Struggling to find her way through life and school and faith.
She kind of reminds me of myself at that age…
{minus the black fingernail polish…which I must say, I hated then, but love now}
I found myself sidetracked at work this morning, scrolling through post after post,
Hoping {praying} that she finds what she’s looking for…
Though it seems like she already has…

{Ok, I’ve had my inspiration for the day…}

{have a good evening}

Monday, December 8, 2008

why i'm starting to warm up to winter//


The smell of clementines//
Hot cocoa in my favorite mug//
Making soup on Sundays//
Space heaters and blankets//
Keeping my hands warm by knitting//
silver and gold//
Hiding out in my house and getting projects done//
Boots & scarves//
Paw prints in the snow//
decorating for Christmas//
big tubs of holiday popcorn//
trees without leaves//
going to bed early when it feels really late//
wrapping gifts//
Wednesday nights together//

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

deck the halls




I have put away everything “autumn” to much sadness
decked our halls with festive cheer
decorated our tree
and finally gotten excited about the end of fall and the beginning of the holidays
I have listened to wintersong,
Made potato-bacon soup
and brought some to work for friends
I have finished knitting a pair of fingerless gloves
Continue to crochet the never-ending blanket
And keep putting off finishing my 2009 calendars
I have cleaned my whole house,
Nearly finished my Christmas shopping
Wrapped the gifts I have already bought
Payed the bills due this week
Finshed the book “My Life in France” by Julia Child
Then started “The Wise Woman” by Phillipa Gregory
Started the month by reading Morning & Evening daily
Have stuck to our Christmas budget
While still downsizing our normal budget
Have made numerous to do lists
And continue to cross things off…

This has been a very productive month so far!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008


Paper Plans by jess999

poorly laid plans
like paper dolls
feeble and dearly loved
they tear and we tape them gingerly
back together -
making arms fit
and belts nicely tightened.

We fold and bend and flatten,
press and poke.

Paper plans.

fell


fall by jess999

polyvore


wintersong by jess999

today i heard about a site called polyvore.com -
i was excited to get home and experiment...
i can foresee this being a very addicting new toy.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

wrap me in a blanket







I don’t know if it’s the impending holiday season or the snow that is now covering our grass, roof and driveway that is making me love nights that allow me to stay home and get to work on the various projects I have going on right now.
Days have been busy at work with writing, editing and performance reviews…fun stuff I know, but come 5 o’clock I am biting at the bit to get home, and work on all of my little projects…
As documented the last few days…I am on a roll…
The creative juices are definitely flowing and it’s a good feeling…after a drought.
Tonight I’m planning to work on a crochet blanket that I’ve started over two years ago…
it’s only about half done, so I doubt I’ll finish it tonight or anytime soon, but to pick it up again will be a milestone in itself…

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

fingerless gloves







tonight i finished this small knitting project - fingerless gloves...
a simple way to spend a night or two, when the weather gets cold and there's snow on the ground.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

oh so crafty












i spent a good part of today making hand made calendars -
perpetual calendars to be exact.
good for keeping track of birthdays and anniversaries and such.
i made three and they've turned out really cute.
the first letter of each month is a cut out that i then backed with a funky fabric from my stash.
the possibilities are endless really and it was just a good rainy saturday project to keep me busy.

Friday, November 14, 2008

poetry

yesterday a twitter friend, littlebrownpen wrote a blog post about Shakespeare…
She quoted her favorite Shakespeare sonnet…and as I read it I was transported back to college, where I would read hours and hours of british literature and poetry, highlight, underline, scribble notes in margins and get goosebumps from the power of the pen. Lately I’ve done a crap job of staying in the books I love. I haven’t read a classic in over a year and I feel myself drying up from lack of poetry. So, today I requote sonnet 29 in effigy of my former life…a life of lots of time and words and desire for knowledge and romance and poetry...

Sonnet 29

When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf Heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself, and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featur'd like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least:
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee,--and then my state
(Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings'.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

fullness


And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:16

These things I have spoken to you,
that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11

I was struck by both of these verses while reading this morning…
In my mind, they seemed to go hand in hand.
We are on the verge of something new,
And I cannot help but cloud hope with shadows of doubt, discouragement and unbelief.
That good things cannot, will not happen to me – to us.
And although my assurance in the knowledge that god is good is solid,
My wavering comes in waves of pessimism, cynicism, and faithlessness.
I cannot help but wallow –
But in the midst of these disturbances,
I am decidedly hopeful, light and careful,

Thoughtful in my faith.

From his fullness, we are made full.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

change, change, change.

Today is a new day//
It's been a while since there has been optimism about the politics of our nation//
Timidly I became bi-partisan and voted for the candidate that I felt the most hopeful could bring change//
I know, I know, I sound like a commercial, I apologize//
But as the aftermath unfolds//
I sat at my desk today and listened as acceptance speeches and receding speeches were replayed//
full of humility, hope and humanity//
And to be quite honest, I think I would've been happy with either outcome//
Both appear to be great fathers, husbands, citizens and politicians in general//
So today, the day after, the world is still turning and the optimism is contagious as we wait for change//
Any kind of change//
It's a good day.

Ok, I'm off my soapbox now :)

Monday, November 3, 2008

a mingled yarn


“The web of our life is of a mingled yarn” – William Shakespeare

Last weekend we had the pleasure of seeing Shakespeare’s Macbeth downtown at the Cleveland Playhouse with good friends.
Although much was lost in translation, the visuals were like eye candy and the newly remodled Hanna Theatre was a site to be savoured.
It was nice to get out and do something a little different on a Friday night, other than our usual leftovers and crashing on the couch after another neverending work week.
We got semi-dressed up and pretended we were part of the affluent Cleveland society that sees plays on a regular basis.
Although part of that was lost as we bickered over $5 parking as opposed to walking in the rain, where we could’ve parked for quarters.
We didn’t sip wine at intermission, and instead of dinner out afterwards, we grabbed coffee and talked until the starbuck’s closed.
It was a charming evening, and although we don’t live like royalty, we felt like it as we crawled into bed only $11 poorer than when the evening began.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

provision

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."
Corrie Ten Boom

I was reminded this morning of the often neglected fact that god is in control.
an easy idea to spout off when things are going smoothly and there are no foreseen bumps in the road…
but when times become uncertain and fear begins to creep into our lives,
seeping in through little cracks of doubt, like strong-brewed tea through an heirloom teacup…
tensions rise and that all too familiar, unsettled feeling becomes the norm…
a reminder is needed,
so desperately needed.

Life may seem out of control
But he is in control.
We may think we are providing for ourselves…
But again I am reminded that he is our provider.

Our jehova jirah

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

liminal: a lesson


i heard the word "liminal" used on NPR tonight, and i immediately loved the way it sounded,
so i went home and looked it up.

liminal:
adj.
latin: limin
of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase or condition,
in between,
transitional.

like warp & woof, i am a liminal being in this season of my life.
in between.
in transition.
this is my intermediate state, phase and condition.

and i am learning patience, learning to surrender, learning to breathe.

Monday, October 27, 2008

warp + woof



I heard the term warp & woof a few weeks ago while talking to a dear friend.
She was “weaving” a wonderful analogy about life, it’s ups and downs,
the cycles that we find ourselves inevitably in,
and she referred to it as the warp & woof of life.
The weaving, over and under, through and through of our days, of our life.
That has stuck with me for weeks as I go about my daily grind.
My very own warp and woof.
I would like to think I am in a woof right now…it sounds so much more delightful.

Friday, October 17, 2008

soups, stews & such



I am on a mission to make at least one different pot of soup a week…

It started over a month ago.

I started as soon as the weather turned cooler and made a big pot of chili.

then, in honour of the jewish holidays I made a pot of homemade matzo ball soup, complete with stock made from a whole chicken. I was very proud of myself for this one. I must say, it was hearty, full of carrots, celery and egg noodles, and lasted us for just about a week of lunches and dinners, sporadically.

Then two weekends ago I made my first ever tomato bisque. It was creamy and delicious, served with gooey grilled cheese sandwhiches. It was the perfect childhood combination for the grown-ups that we are. And again, it made enough to enjoy a few tomatoey lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Then this past Saturday I kind of concocted my very own recipe for a delightful Mexican-type soup. It started with a base of chicken stock (not homemade this time) and a cup of salsa. I then added a package of frozen corn, a can of black beans, a cup of rice and a small can of diced jalapenos.

As for spices, I put in about a tablespoon of cumin and a teaspoon of chili powder for kick and a few dashes of green hot sauce. Last minute I also diced up one large chicken breast for some bulk and to appease my dear husband that misses meat dearly when I get on a vegetarian kick.

I must say, it was wonderful with lots of fresh cilantro sprinkled on top along with some taco cheese and sour cream for the mr. serves with a side of tortilla chips, it has fed us throughout the week and kept our belly’s full and happy.

But now it's the start of another weekend and i don't know what to make this week...any ideas?

Saturday, October 11, 2008

an apple a day





Last week I spent the entire week looking forward to Saturday.
It was to be our apple picking day and I was squirmish with excitement
Last year we tried to go and the trees were already bare…
We had to resort to buying Patterson apples, in convenient little plastic bags,
instead of picking the goodness ourselves.
So this year we went when the weather was still warm.
I dressed up for the occasion.
Jeans tucked into boots, and a cozy scarf that made my neck sweat a bit in the sun of the orchards.

But it was glorious.
At 89 cents a pound, we stocked up on johnathans and golden delicious
11 dollars later and laden with almost 13 pounds of apples,
we dropped the apples off at the car and headed on a walk around the old golf course that is now part of the farm.
The weather was delicious and so was the apple I stole picked from a tempting little batch of trees, hidden on the course.

After our walk, we headed into the bakery and little shop where we splurged on apple fritters and cider.
It was heavenly. The smells, the taste of doughy apple-y goodness,
the relaxing drive home, through tree-lined lanes back into the city.
This weekend we have no big plans, no trips to apple farms, no outfits planned for special occasions,
Maybe just a date with my kitchen to make some homemade applesauce.

Happy Fall, friends!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

::a week of wishing::



This week i hope to …

::welcome larry the painter over, to finally come and final coat our house and make it white and pretty. (rain rain, please go away)
::enjoy some free labor from joe the drywaller, who’s coming to fix the stucco part on the front of our house.
::go apple picking, buy a pumpkin, and maybe some yummy fall treats...an apple fritter perhaps
::make something sweet, cinnamon-y and apple-y
::have a double date with our favorite pastor and his wife
::have a little time to relax together and enjoy my favorite season with my favorite boy
::maybe sneak on a pair of knee high boots if the weather stays cool like it is now
::Ooooh, and maybe wear a scarf, or a hat, or a puffer vest…the possibilities are endless!

What do you hope to do this week???

Sunday, September 28, 2008

refrigerator wisdom








i used to get Real Simple magazine...my favorite part of the mag every month was the little tear-out calendar and the little quote that they put in there. i ended my subscription because i found the magazine kind of boring and monotonous, but i do miss those sweet little perforated edged goodies.

i've kept three of my favorite quotes on my fridge {shown above}, hung by endearing little magnets for almost a year now. they are imbedded in my mind and i kind of like it that way. i thought about taking them down this morning, but i like having these reminders on my fridge as small daily reminders of what life is really about...so i thought i'd share:

"In spite of illness, in spite even of the archenemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiousity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways." -Edith Wharton

"You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by. Yes, but some of them are golden only because we let them slip." -J.M. Barrie

"We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry." -E.B. White

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

sweaters & scarves {and everything else}







i have my sweaters out and organized, along with the rest of my {closet/office}
and a drawer full of tights all ready for colder weather...and a collection scarves hanging in the closet.
this past month has been spent going through all of my clothes. I have come to the conclusion that i hoard too much and i must purge and give away. to date i have bagged up four garbage bags of clothes to give away...shoes are another story.

today I’m wearing a short-sleeve sweater over a tanktop with jeans,
it’s 75+ degrees outside and I’m pretending it’s a chilly fall day as I sit in the air-conditioning indoors.
wearing wedges instead of the boots I so badly want to pull over wool socks.
New slippers are waiting bedside my bed for a night that’s too cold to go barefoot

Not yet, but hopefully soon.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

my very own mr. bunyan

today i had my very own paul bunyan in my backyard, and boy was he cute.
we acquired some free firewood that just needed chopping,
so after no luck with a dull ax, our neighbors lent us their super-duper electric wood splitter.
so now we have a stack of wood and just need to get our fireplace inspected for use.





Thursday, September 18, 2008

picnic in the ::park:: {backyard}











Tonight the weather was glorious.
Warm and cool mingled together.
It was still yet breezy.
Summer hasn’t ended, but fall is surely in the air.

We lay a blanket and have a picnic.
Dine on a feast of spinach and feta chicken sausages
Spinach salad with
Cherry tomatoes and
Ripe peaches
grilled zucchini

We toast to health and the season’s change
We toast not to wealth,
For it matter’s little,
We only hope for just enough
Enough for what autumn may bring

we are lucky tonight, under stars barely escaping sun and clouds.
We are lucky and together.

 
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