little things are big

Evening Scenes

2012-01-31T04:07:00.001-07:00

Flour

My helper, covered in flour

Matryoshka doll measuring cups (from Emily)

Eric, moving a painting out of storage to hang in the den. Notice his curator gloves still hanging out of his pocket from work.

Rolls of paper for various art projects.

A well used mop. It looks kind of sad...

Fresh bread, cooling on the rack.

Yours truly

Generaly I blog in the mornings, but I have to hit the road first thing in the a.m. (baby check up) and I won't have time for the usual routine. So, here I am with some photos from my evening and I am blogging by lamp light. We spent the evening working on the basement. We use the area all the time, but it has been the last space in the house to get much attention. We are finally getting somewhere as far as decorating goes. There was also some cleaning, some bread baking, and a lot of laughing at a silly girl.

I am eating a warm slice of fresh bread as I type this, slathered with vegan margarine and homemade apple butter (thanks to our friends Simon and Rachel). How do you spend your evenings?

Project: Mother's Book

2012-01-30T08:42:00.004-07:00

When I found out I was pregnant with Cordelia I knew I wanted to do something that was very personal for my child. Something that would extend beyond the boundaries of the standard baby book. I wanted to make a connection with the child that was, at that point, no larger than the size of a pea. I wanted to share with this tiny little being how much I loved it, what I wanted for it in life and just to record those moments that make this one being special and unique.

I borrowed an idea that my mother had and ran with it a bit more. I went to the book store and found a couple of blank books ( I knew even then that there would be more than one child in our future). When I got home I tucked one book away to wait for a few years and the other book I cracked the spine, grabbed a pen and began writing.

What a weird feeling it was to write something to a total stranger. I didn't really know where to start. So I introduced myself and explained a bit about the situation. I told this mystery baby about her family and how we reacted when we found out that I was pregnant. Generally I geared my writing toward the adult this child would one day be.

As the months wore on I detailed the progress of my pregnancy; the day we found out she was a girl and eventually the day she was born. Most of those early posts are so emotionally charged, filled with hope and love. Over time I started writing about the little details of her life, of course I talked about the first smiles and baths, but I also write down the funny stories, the little charming tales that I could so easily forget to tell her later. Like how she used to chant, "Happy, happy, happy." Or the time she asked if Eric and I were smart. I replied, "Yes. Are you smart?" and she said, "Nope, I'm pretty."

Sometimes I will write in her book several times a month and other times it is maybe once a month. Sometimes I quickly jot down a sentence or two and other times I fill in several pages. My goal is just to give her a little glimpse into her life, the things that make her special and to detail how very much she is loved.

Recently I dug out the other book and made my very first entry for this littlest one. I expected it to feel pretty much the same, but already I have a sense that these two kids are distinctly different and I found that my relation of the same information was very different.

My ultimate goal is to one day hand these books off to my children, who will be just heading out into the world, and to remind them of all the little things that make them loved. If you want to start, even if your kids are much older I highly recommend it. My only rule (for myself) is to keep it positive.

Sunday Quote: Gentle Donkey

2012-01-29T05:54:00.002-07:00

I love gentle donkeys.
~Maria Rose

Paper Feathers

2012-01-28T09:15:00.003-07:00

I have a show opening in March and I have been busy at work getting everything squared away, writing the artist's statement (which I never enjoy) and putting the entire show together in a way that I am happy with. Last night, after Cordelia was sound asleep, I stayed up making paper feathers for the show.

How did you spend your Friday night?

Dreaming of Summer

2012-01-27T08:57:00.003-07:00

Last night was kind of a long night. Cordelia is fighting off a minor cold and she was pretty restless. She spent the night in our bed and intermittently woke up to ask, "Momma wanna hold me?" or "Momma, Kleeeeeeeenex!" So my sleep was understandably disjointed, but in between the wake ups I had dreams of summer...

I dug my hands into rich soil. Cordelia and I walked barefoot in the grass. I watched ladybugs crawling about on leaves. My dream was nothing particularly special, just a combination of memories and plans, but it left me feeling a little bit of that summer sun inside.

The next month is usually the last major blast of winter with it tapering off in March and April. Generally this is the point in the season where most of us begin to feel a little bit claustrophobic going from one heated environment to the next. So, this dream was just what I needed to remind me of the good times to come. The dwindling summer rays on the green grass, more time outside than in. Open windows. Birds chirping. Pink lemonade. Watermelon. Oh and this summer we will have such a wonderful gift. Yes, I am absolutely dreaming of summer.

Recipe: Vegan Pineapple Fajitas and Bonus Photo For Grandma Carol

2012-01-26T09:21:00.006-07:00

Sometimes by the time dinner comes around I feel as though I have no energy to come up with something that is healthy and fast. When I feel the tug to just declare it "sandwich night" I call upon old faithful, pineapple fajitas. This simple recipe takes almost no time to create and it is a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients
1 red bell pepper cut into strips or chunks (follow your heart on the cutting technique)
1/2 c. fresh or canned pineapple cut into bite sized pieces
1 c. your favorite vegan chicken alternative. I have used many varieties for this recipe and they all turn out well.
1 1/2 tsp. Jamaican (or Caribbean) Jerk seasoning
4-6 inch tortillas, warmed
*Optional garnish---a squeeze of lime juice or some chopped cilantro. I can't handle cilantro it makes me want to implode, but maybe you like it.

Directions
In a non-stick skillet over medium high heat cook the pineapple until it begins to brown a bit. Add the bell pepper and the vegan chicken. Add the Jerk seasoning, stir. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Place into the warmed tortillas and enjoy!

This bonus photo is for my Grandma Carol. Cordelia is wearing a hat made by her Great Great Aunt Eleanor. She wears it constantly and calls it her "party hat." We don't know why....

Vintage Vegan

2012-01-25T08:48:00.002-07:00

The other day I was checking out my friend Sarah's online shop, aptly named Sarah's Place. Have you seen it? Click here to check it out !She sells a variety of vegan goodies and vintage finds. While I was checking out the newest goodies on her shop I stumbled upon the adorable shirt you see below and it was love at first sight.

I mean look at it! When I showed it to Cordelia she exclaimed, "Oh! (Gasp) That's a cute sweater! Can I wear it?"

I love dressing my girl in vintage clothes for many reasons. First is that it is nice to recycle perfectly wonderful clothing instead of buying new stuff. Second, it is so great to have a kid with their own individual style, rather than the standard outfits sold at the local big box stores. Finally, it is great to support a small business. Do you thrift or buy vintage?

Also, just in case you haven't heard, Sarah is also a vegan cookbook author. I highly recommend her books! All are available from her shop or pretty much anywhere.

Recipe: Vegan Breakfast Sandwich

2012-01-24T08:43:00.003-07:00

I am not the kind of person who likes to eat the same thing for breakfast day in and day out. I like to mix it up! Today I looked at the cereal and couldn't muster up any interest. So, I decided that it was time to make breakfast sandwiches.

Here is how I made it today, though I will admit that my technique changes on any given day and is entirely dependent upon whatever ingredients I happen to have laying around. So, I guess I am saying there is a lot of wiggle room with this recipe.

Ingredients
English muffins
Block of firm or extra firm tofu, drained
turmeric
garlic powder
jarred salsa
Daiya Soy Cheese
Optional***vegan bacon, vegan sausage, jam, vegan cream cheese, etc. Put whatever sounds good on the sandwich!

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 F. T
Toast your English muffins lightly

Slice your tofu across the top to get the largest slab possible. Make it about 1/2 inch thick slice.

Use something (I used a cup) to cut out a round shape that is slightly smaller than the English muffin. You will have excess tofu, just save it for a breakfast scramble.

Place the tofu circles in a lightly oiled skillet over medium high heat. Lightly dust them with a sprinkle of turmeric and a dash of garlic powder. As you flip the tofu it will spread and turn the circle yellow and distribute the flavor. Cook on both sides for about 3-5 minutes. Don't let it get crispy or else it will be tough.

I added a spoonful of jarred salsa for flavor, but you can leave that out if you like. Spread it around with your spatula and turn off your stove.

Now it is time to assemble your sandwich. Lay out the bottom half of your English muffins onto a cookie sheet. Set the tofu circles on top. Sprinkle with Daiya vegan cheese. Add any additional toppings you like. Put the lid on and place in the oven for about 7 minutes, or until the vegan cheese melts.

Enjoy!

Winter Fun

2012-01-23T08:41:00.004-07:00

A few weeks ago I was wondering how people get to spend much time outside in the winter. I longed to spend some time in the snow with my girl, playing and exploring. For some reason I couldn't understand why we weren't doing that this winter I could recalls points in my life where I had enjoyed playing outside in the snow, but here in Wyoming it just wasn't happening.

You see lately the wind has been blowing hard, as in hard enough to easily knock over a 2 year old. The wind has been known to do this to people's hair. It blows the cold in through your pores finds its way into your marrow and eventually it freezes your very soul. Oh wait, was that a bit over dramatic? Oh well, I did some awesome theater in elementary school I guess I still have a flair for the dramatics...

Anyway, yesterday morning we awoke to a fresh layer of snow and...I couldn't believe it, but there was almost no wind to speak of. The sun was shining, the weather was perfect for some outdoor play. So, we all bundled up and headed outside to enjoy the winter!

Cordelia throwing snow at her father

Eric throwing a snowball at me

Pink cheeks from multiple face plants

Strolling down the street

When it was all said and done we had so much fun just getting out to enjoy the snow and a little family time. How was your weekend?

Sunday Quote: Parallel Universe

2012-01-22T07:49:00.001-07:00

I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. ~Author Unknown

Waiting for the Quirks

2012-01-21T08:48:00.005-07:00

When I was pregnant with Cordelia Eric and I were a little bit panicked about what stuff we needed to acquire in order to ensure the safest, healthiest, happiest, most well adjusted baby EVER. OK, we really weren't all that bad, but it was always on our minds. We talked about how we would parent and raised all sorts of hypotheticals.

I remember so many experienced parents telling us that all we needed was a handful of outfits, blankets, and the bare essentials for cleaning and grooming a little being that pukes and poops more than one might imagine. Of course we knew this was all true, but when you are waiting to be a parent it is sometimes such a comfort to hold those little things as a reminder of the life that will soon arrive.

The second time around is a bit different. We have tubs of left over clothes in case we have a girl, some will work for either gender. So, we've held on to it. The baby toys are all in a box in the closet, waiting to be held in chubby little hands or waved in front of uncoordinated eyes.

We really haven't had it in us to hunt for new things for this baby because we don't really want for much at this point. However, once I passed into the second trimester and I could breathe a sigh of relief I began to feel like I wanted something just for this little one. So, on a recent thrift store venture I spotted this soft white sweater. I couldn't help myself. I tossed it into my cart and took it home. The sweater should fit perfectly this fall.

I hung it up and now I take a moment each day to look at it, to connect the external to the internal and to give this baby a moment of undivided attention. A pregnancy with a toddler around allows for much less pondering on my part, so I sometimes feel as though I need to make a concentrated effort to just direct my thoughts to this little being who is already so very precious to us.

One thing that remains the same is the constant question of "Who are you in there?" I don't know who I am growing, what they will be like and how they will impact our lives. With Cordelia I could never have imagined the things that she does, those little things that make her so unique and quirky. I look forward to discovering those kinds of quirks in our second child as well.

Wanderlust

2012-01-20T09:24:00.005-07:00

Last night was my first lecture of the semester. I did my usual introduction which is comprised of equal parts serious scholarship, general awkwardness and humor. We covered the earliest human art last night, pausing to discuss Stonehenge I was taken back....I told the class of what it was like to look up at those huge monoliths in wonder. For just a moment I could feel the cool air of the Salisbury Plains, the sense of awe that we felt as we looked up at these monuments from the past. Suddenly I couldn't stop thinking about that trip and that time in my life.

I was 18 when I took my art tour of Europe, it was sort of an abbreviated version of the traditional Grand Tour. We went to Holland, Germany, France and England. Eric and I were able to take this trip together with a group of fellow artists and our beloved Copelands. For some reason I couldn't stop thinking about that trip all night. It would seem that I am having a little bout of wanderlust coupled with a strong dose of nostalgia.

Eric and I on the flight over. So young.

Sunset on the Rhine River, Germany

Big Ben (yes I know Big Ben is not the actual clock)

I am feeling the itch. I want to see more. I want to share that with my family. Obviously a European adventure may be off the agenda for this summer, what with being due to deliver a bay-bay smack dab in the heart of summer, but I am still thinking a lot about travel in my future. The world is so big and so amazing. I feel like I need to see more! I want our children to feel that the world is their home, that they can see the places that they read about in books.

Eiffel Tower

Monet's Garden

Looking at a Van Gogh

We have traveled a lot in our years together, but it seems that the more we travel the more there is to see. Eric and I have a list of places we want to visit some places we just want to re-visit: Italy, Greece, Russia, Iceland, Norway, Japan, China, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland, all over the US (we've seen a lot, but we want to see more), South America (not sure where), Egypt, oh man....I could go on and on. We just want to see it all!

Versailles

Do you travel a lot? Where do you want to visit and why?

Make Something Every Day

2012-01-19T08:17:00.003-07:00

I seem to have inadvertently developed something of a personal mantra. I am not sure how or when it started, but I find myself repeating the mantra "make something every day." I wake up and first thing I do is plan what I am going to make....that doesn't include breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Some days it is easier than others to fit in time to make stuff. People often ask me how I find time to do so much, but the truth is that I don't find time anywhere I have to make it, fit it in where I can. I do have a lot going on in my life between motherhood, my job, working on Wyoming Rose with my mother, preparing for two art shows in the next two month, and 90 gajillion (an exact count) other things I have going on.

I try and combine my efforts where possible. For instance, yesterday Cordelia and I made vegan brownies together. A little bit of quality time with the girl and a little time for making.

She was an enthusiastic helper.

When it was nap time I worked on my lesson plan and then sat down to do a little crocheting for Wyoming Rose. We had a big order from a retailer (!) last week and have been working to fill that order. I finished up a cowl, a baby hat and I later worked in a few others while we spent family time together.

Now don't get me wrong, there are days when I get to the end of the day and the only thing that I have made is a big mess, but at least I made something...or at least that is what I tell myself. I guess I just don't feel like a day has been worth much if I haven't made something, anything.

So, today I plan to finish up some more crochet stuff, possibly dig into some jewelry making and hopefully work on a piece or two for my show in March. I am feeling ambitious.

Do you have a personal mantra?

Kindness Bandit: Mystery Mailer

2012-01-18T08:32:00.004-07:00

Earlier this week I was invited to partake in a worldwide event wherein participants left encouraging (and anonymous) notes for strangers to stumble upon. I decided to join in and instead of leaving a note around town I chose to spread the news across the country.

I selected 4 envelopes and cards. I also found 4 encouraging quotes and wrote one of them on each card. I chose some random residential addresses. I do not know who will be receiving the notes, but hopefully they will feel inspired or touched. I addressed the letter to "you" so whomever gets the letter will open it. I only left the initials KB in the return address, no address.

Who knows, maybe someone somewhere will be inspired. Care to try it with me?

Beats of the Heart

2012-01-17T08:29:00.003-07:00

E.K. Wimmer (aka Eric), my super talented husband, has a show opening today at the college. If you happen to live in the area I hope that you check it out, otherwise I will just have to give you a little information.

The show is called, Beats of the Heart, and features gorgeous photography and a film which will be playing on loop. The film and photography feature Eric's creative interpretation of a Butoh performance, which is something truly unique to behold. Eric also scored the soundtrack to the film, just because he is that amazing.

If you are in the area please check out the show or come to the artist's lecture, looks like there will be quite a turn out! If you aren't in the area check out this article and this one as well. He was interviewed yesterday as well, so I will be updating you on any new press.

Vegan Blueberry Pancakes

2012-01-16T08:54:00.002-07:00

We awoke to a cold and wintry Wyoming morning. Eric has the day off so we are able to take our time a bit. So, I thought a good breakfast of pancakes would get us off on the right foot. So, Cordelia and I set to work in the kitchen while Eric slept in a bit (he was still up by 8).

Ingredients

Vegan equivalent to 1 egg. I use EnerG Egg replacer (1 1/2 tsp. egg replacer + 2 Tbs. warm water-mix)
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 c. vegan milk. I use soy or almond, just depends on what's in the fridge
1 1/2 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt.
3 tbs. +1 tsp. sugar
1 1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. fresh or frozen organic blueberries

Directions

Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium high heat.
While that is heating combine the wet ingredients in a bowl and mix. In a separate bowl combine the dry ingredients, mix. Do not add the blueberries yet.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just integrated.
Add the blueberries and gently integrate.
Ladle into circles (or whatever shape you like) onto your skillet and leave it alone until bubbles begin to pop in the center of the pancake.
Flip them over and cook for a couple of minutes more.
I put them into a low heated oven on a cookie sheet while I cook the rest to keep it all warm.
Serve with organic maple syrup and some vegan margarine. Oh, and of course a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice.

Even in Winter

2012-01-15T07:30:00.001-07:00

Even in winter an isolated patch of snow has a special quality.
~Andy Goldsworthy

So Quickly

2012-01-14T07:55:00.004-07:00

A couple of nights ago Cordelia fell out of her bed in the middle of the night. Her bed is a crib that converts to a toddler bed of sorts, but the downside is that it is pretty high off of the ground, so there was some air time in her fall. We had put some pillows on the ground in anticipation that this might happen. She wasn't hurt, just freaked out by the fall. A few minutes of cuddling and she was fine.

The next day we decided that it was time for the official toddler bed. Eric spent some time assembling the bed as Cordelia helped "organize" in her room. For her organization is a fun game, it's amazing. Once the bed was assembled we retired the crib until baby number 2 is ready to use it.

We weren't really sure how she would feel about the new bed...well she was beyond thrilled. Since it wasn't quite time to go to sleep yet we just let her play in her room, she asked us to leave (so independent). We put on some music for her and walked across the hall to put away laundry in our room. We could see that she was going bananas, dancing and jumping and twirling. Occasionally she would run in and ask if it was time for bed yet.

Eventually it was time for bed. Oh man, we were both unprepared for how this would make us feel. She was in her bed and soon she was sleeping like...a kid. How did we get here? How is she so big already? Life moves so quickly. Before I went to bed I took a look at that little lady in her bed and sighed. I am so happy that she is growing, but my heart aches a bit because I realize how quickly time is passing.

Last Night

2012-01-13T08:43:00.004-07:00

Last night we had dinner with our friend Laura (Cordelia calls her War-uh, or sometimes Sarah). While Laura is not a vegan she is one of those awesome people who is game for pretty much anything, so the challenge of a vegan meal was nothing for this lady!
**Please excuse the photos, we forgot our camera and Eric took photos with his phone. Also, explains Eric's absence from the photos.

We pulled up in front of her house and entered. Strangely I have known Laura since she was maybe 10 and we've hung out many times, but this is the first time I'd seen her place. I love seeing people's homes for the first time, don't you? She has a cute rental with some amazing features like arched doorways an awesome built in hutch, and these crazy cool windows. We also got a chance to meet both of her lovely roommates over the course of the evening.

After a quick tour we chatted as she put the finishing touches on dinner. Cordelia colored pictures of the Wonder Pets that Laura had printed out. She even had crayons, but she is always thoughtful like that. Soon, it was time to eat!

Garlic pizza

She whipped up two vegan pizzas. One was a garlic pizza. Oh, it was sooooo good. I am sorry that you weren't there for it. Truly sorry. She said it was her mother's pizza dough recipe, some garlic and olive oil, the Daiya cheese and then she topped it with torn fresh basil!

Dinner

Me, eating

The other pizza was tomato sauce, Daiya cheese, olives and peppers and incredibly taste! Add to that a delicious green salad and a bunch of fresh fruit and you know we were in vegan heaven. I ate way too much. Then she brought out vegan cookies...so I ate some more.

Laura, dunking a cookie

Cordelia, dunking a cookie in almond milk.

We had a great night out. Cordelia was on her best behavior. Conversation was great, food was amazing, what more could we ask for? Wonderful night out!

Project: Scratch Patch

2012-01-12T09:08:00.003-07:00

Do you have cats? We have two cats. We love them, but there are certain downsides to living with cats. One such downside is the scratching on furniture issue. We have tried everything (sprays, covering furniture with foil, squirting the cats with water, scratching posts, etc.) with the exception of de-clawing which is inhumane and out of the question. So we have forfeited a few pieces of furniture over the years. With our cats aging there is a lot less scratching than there once was, but there are still a few hot spots.

One such hot spot if the corner of this chair. You can see they have gone crazy on it. Rather than replacing all of our furniture with metal chairs we have just sacrificed this one chair in the basement, but it still bugs me. I know I can't really stop the issue as we've been trying for 12 years with no success. So I devised a fast and easy patch.

First I took a piece of felt that kind of goes with the chair coloration. I cut a simple heart out of the felt and basted it over the raw corner. Done deal. It isn't perfect, but it took me less than five minutes and I won't be bummed when I need to replace it again in a few weeks.

Wintering

2012-01-11T09:03:00.002-07:00

We have had a Wyoming heat wave lately. OK, well maybe there wasn't really much heat involved as we were only about 10 degrees above freezing, but there has been a couple of weeks with warmer than usual temperatures. For a moment I lost my head and thought that perhaps spring was right around the corner. Don't laugh I spent many impressionable years in New Mexico and took their mild winters for granted. I began to think about the tulips that were sure to start pushing their way up through the cold soil only to erupt in a riot of color that always seems so foreign after the winter colors of white and brown...but I forgot where I was and what month it is. January 11th is no time to declare the end of winter. No time at all.

Last night as I was getting ready for bed the darkness seemed to have a light purple brightness and I knew, before even going to the window, that there would be snow. It was falling softly, covering everything in sight. I smiled and remembered that we still have many more winter days to enjoy before the tulips make their appearance.

When the family awoke this morning I took Cordelia to the window so she could look out at the snow. She gasped in wonder and immediately begged for snow pants. How could I deny her? So, we ate some pancakes, drank some juice and headed out for an early morning romp in the freshly fallen snow.

What is it like where you are?

This day

2012-01-10T08:57:00.004-07:00

Cordelia playing

The middle of an order for 30 crocheted dishrags.

Cat watching dog, dog watching squirrel.

Squirrel, unaware that it is being watched.

My garden notebook and a stack of gardening books. I am in the planning process!

Weekend Review: Laziness, Dish Stacking, Projects

2012-01-09T08:47:00.006-07:00

How was your weekend? Mine was one of those weekends of long periods of laziness followed by bursts of enthusiastic activity. I am shaking off the last remaining vestiges of first trimester exhaustion and it is kind of like getting an old car to start. You have to let it idle for a while and then floor it before it dies out at the fist stop sign.

I admittedly tried to think of creative ways to entertain this girl from the couch. We practiced some French, to hear her say "Bonjour, je m'appelle Cordelia" is about the cutest thing in the universe. We sang songs, practiced counting and read books all from the warm embrace of the couch.

Lest you think I was a total sloth this weekend I must admit that I did have some actual accomplishments as well. I managed to bake a blueberry cake from The Joy of Vegan Baking and we may or may not have had some cake for breakfast today.

We took some walks, enjoying the warmer winter weather.

We had dinner at my parent's house.

I also did a freakish amount of dishes, baking produces a lot of dirty dishes. Do you recall this post where I discussed the renewed love of dish washing? Well, the honeymoon period is over, but I am still finding ways to make it less of a chore. I invent little games to take the edge off. Yesterday I was determined that nothing would make me dry the dishes I was only going to stack them into the drying rack...so I did. I made the most amazing tower of dishes and I was so proud of myself that I actually called Eric in to admire my work, he wasn't impressed. Actually, I think the tower made him nervous, maybe he was just jealous.

My tower of dishes. Impressive, no?

I also did a little more work with the lino cutting. I am making batches of simple prints in order to assemble some stationery sets...

Lino-cut cards

I also tried my hand at fabric printing onto a thrifted t-shirt. I used the same method as detailed in this post, only I printed onto fabric (putting a board under the shirt) and used fabric paint. I was pretty happy with the result although I haven't washed it yet, so we will see how it looks over time!

What did you do this weekend?

Sunday Quote: To Blossom

2012-01-08T06:40:00.002-07:00

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anais Nin

Tomato Coconut Curry Soup

2012-01-07T06:50:00.005-07:00

When we were living in Denver we regularly ate at a restaurant called Watercourse because they make delicious vegan food. One of my favorite things on their menu is their tomato coconut curry soup, it is so good. You must try it if you are ever in Denver. When we moved to Wyoming I went through withdrawals. I wanted it, dare I say that I needed it? Our visits to Denver a few times a year were not enough, so I emailed them begging for the recipe. They never replied. I tried a few more times and was met only with disappointment.

So I set out to come up with something that could satiate my need. One night, while looking at a barren fridge I walked over to the cabinet and I spotted some condensed tomato soup...then I looked at a can of coconut milk and I though, heck, maybe it is that simple. So I started tossing a few things together and came up with a very satisfying version of their magnificent recipe. I am still working to capture a more sophisticated version, but this one is so simple and so good that you really must give it a try.

Tomato Coconut Curry Soup with vegan quesadillas (whole grain tortillas and Daiya vegan cheese) and fresh fruit.

Ingredients

2 cans vegan condensed tomato soup
1 can coconut milk
1 can fire roasted, crushed tomatoes
1/4 c. of very thinly sliced onion and carrots---whatever looks good to you. I have also included thinly sliced cabbage in the past.
1 1/2-2 tsp. curry powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Pour all of the canned goods into a large soup pot.
Add the veggies and turn to medium heat. Cook stirring regularly, turn down the heat to medium if it looks like it wants to boil. When the carrot and onion seem tender, about 10 minutes depending upon how thinly you sliced.
Add the curry powder and salt and pepper to taste. Stir for a few more minutes, letting the flavors meld. Serve warm!

Cordelia really got into it, although I had to remove the chunks of stuff as they creeped her out, kids!

Life is Good

2012-01-06T07:04:00.004-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I was puttering around the house, picking up as Cordelia enjoyed an afternoon snack/ shared it with Bumblebee. My husband sent me a text wondering if there was any chance that my parents might be free to hang out with Cordelia for a couple of hours because he wanted to take me out for a date. A few texts later it was settled. Impromptu date night!

For the record most spontaneity goes out the window when you become a parent. There are naps, clothing changes, meals, winter clothes, sunglasses, snacks, entertainment, etc.---all need to be planned in advance and planning is the death of spontaneity.

I hardly knew what to do with myself. I grabbed a couple of things, packed Cordelia a dinner and then loaded up the girls (Bumblebee is one of the girls) into our car. We drove out to the museum where Eric curates.

We passed antelope grazing in the last rays of daylight. I pulled up in front of Eric's work and resisted the urge to do donuts in the museum parking lot while he locked up and met us. Cordelia cheered a happy greeting. Bumblebee chimed in with a joyful nasal whine and we hit the road.

We took the back way to my parent's house as the sun was setting on another winter day in Wyoming. The view was beautiful as the light laid golden rays across the dried grasses and crusted snow.

When we arrived at their house Eric grabbed Bumblebee and I grabbed Cordelia in the unspoken dance that is our life. We entered through the front door and there were a few moments of pandemonium as the dogs noisily greeted each other. Cordelia was thrilled to see her grandparents as they are really good grandparents---really good. We left her to play for two hours with my parents as we headed out to enjoy a little time to ourselves.

We drove downtown and ended up at a new to us restaurant. We checked their menu to make sure there was something vegan for us and then we took a seat in the nearly empty restaurant.

We took our sweet time. Reminding ourselves to eat slowly , parents tend to shovel it down, we talked about art and our plans for the future. We made each other laugh, we enjoyed our moment together. It was wonderful.

After dinner we hopped back into our car and drove back to my parent's house to gather our troops. When we walked in the door, there were sounds of dogs joyfully barking and a 2 year old giggling with her grandfather as they watched the crazy dogs play. We hung out for a bit, chatting and enjoying the moment with family.
Life is good.

I Resolve...

2012-01-05T09:23:00.004-07:00

I find that people are either for or against resolution making. I am for it. I do it constantly, year round. Eric and I are big on finding areas that need growth or just areas of interest that we want to nurture in ourselves. I have something of an ongoing list. You can call it New Year's Resolutions if you like, but mostly it is just my most current list of goals.

I resolve to learn how to make a wicked vegan pie. I am now a confident vegan baker, but pies really freak me out. I need to get over that.
I resolve to complete ongoing projects (don't laugh).
I resolve to make the best garden ever...which will translate into preserving, canning, jam making, etc.
I resolve to make awesome bread. So far my bread has always been fine, but not fantastic. I am looking for the perfect vegan bread. Do you have that recipe?
I resolve to get our piano up from NM.
I resolve to make time for myself each and every day, even if it is only 10 minutes.
I resolve to continue my yoga practice.
I resolve to sending my novel off to publishers.

Mostly though I resolve to cherish this very special time in my life. The time where I am a mother of one (plus one the size of a lime). I resolve to spend my days playing, eating cookies, learning and using our imagination. I resolve to prepare this girl for the thrill of being a big sister and to feel confident enough that she won't be overwhelmed by the change that faces her in this year.

What are your goals for the year, week, month?

Project: Lino-cut Prints

2012-01-04T08:33:00.003-07:00

I am always on the lookout for new crafty projects. I like to hop from one thing to the next. Currently I am doing some metal stamping, crocheting, sewing and most recently I taught myself how to lino-cut, which is just a form of block printing. I am an artist, but somehow I missed the basic class on lino-cutting. Just never happened for me. I had a pretty good idea of how it was done, but I'd never tried it until yesterday. Turns out it was a lot of fun!

This was a bit advanced for my 2 year old, but I think if you aren't too concerned with the end results it would be super easy to include a child. I think you could let an older child do the drawing (Cordelia is still in the line and dot phase which doesn't translate) and the stamping as well. If you have an even older child they could quickly learn the entire process on their own.

You will probably need a few things to get started. I am including an approximation of the cost so you can see this won't be a big financial investment. I also saw starter kits for around $15 if you want to keep it simple. I found all of this at a craft store, but it's readily available online as well.

To get rolling (pun intended) you will need:

Lino-cutter set with handle (I think mine cost about $4.50)
Water soluble block printing ink (also a couple of bucks)
Lino block ($1.50)
Rubber brayer, which is just a roller to roll out the ink ($3ish)
Something to roll out the ink on. You can use a piece of plexiglass or whatever you have laying around that you don't mind getting dirty. It just needs to be flat and firm.
Something to print on. I chose blank greeting cards, but you can do your own thing.
Optional: I also used some letter stamps that I had laying around, but it isn't necessary at all--you'll see.

Here is how it is done:

Start with a blank lino block. Try and think of a simple design or shape.

Next you will draw onto the block your simple design. I went for a leafy look. I figured that I could be a little more free with a natural form. A lot of straight lines might be difficult if this is your first time. I recommend a curvilinear form...simple is best!

You will now have to use your lino-cutter to carve away the excess. Just experiment with the different heads to get the effect you are looking for. Totally a trial and error. Overall you want to make sure to cut away from yourself. Ultimately you will want to have a stamp of the original drawing.

Once you have your design completed and cut out you are ready to print. Put a squirt of ink on your chosen surface. Take your brayer (the roller) and coat it in the ink. Note that the ink is thick like paint, not runny like normal ink. Roll the brayer evenly over your lino-cut, only the highest points will be covered in ink if you've done this correctly. If you haven't just wash everything off and go carve until you've got it right.

Carefully set the lino-cut, face down, on the paper (or whatever you have chosen to print on) and put a little even pressure on the back. Gently remove the lino-cut, careful not to smear, and voila you have made a print!

Be sure and wash your tools off with soap and water. Easy clean up! You can reuse your lino-cut again and again!

You could call it a day there, but I was planning to make some thank you cards. So I pulled out some regular ink and letter stamps to print out the words.

Thank You! Yes, You Specifically!

2012-01-03T06:48:00.005-07:00

Maybe this pregnancy was the worst kept secret ever, or maybe there are just lots of psychic people in this world. People have been asking us about a potential baby #2 lately and we've been giving weird and vague answers, sorry if you were one of those people, but we were just waiting to share the news.

Oddly we have had two occasions where people nearly found out a bit early. The day I took the pregnancy test in October I left the test out in the bathroom, because it made me happy to see, and I forgot about it when a friend came over for dinner. I was giving her a tour of the house and we went into the bathroom where I was regaling her with details of cabinet painting when I spotted the test just sitting there in the open. I stopped mid-sentence, stumbled over my words and quickly ushered us out of the bathroom. Amazingly she didn't notice it; I asked her later if she was just being polite, but she just hadn't seen it.

Then a few weeks ago we had friends over and we were standing in the kitchen talking. They asked if we were planning to have more kids and there was a weird, awkward pause as we tried to give a vague answer. We moved the conversation along, but later I realized we had an ultrasound on our fridge...still not sure if they saw that.

Anyway, we are so very happy to be able to share this news with the world now. Thank you so very much for your kind words and enthusiasm for our family! Your well-wishes really made our day, so nice to share something so very precious to us. We are very excited! I am thinking about tiny toes and baby snuggles. We can't wait to see Cordelia loving her little baby brother or sister. Since a few of you have been asking, we have started discussing the situation with Cordelia, but only in a very basic sense at this point. She has an eternity, in toddler time, to wait.

We also told Bumblebee, but she just gave us a blank stare.

Also, thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new blog design! Eric was up until 2am just getting everything in order. He's kind of awesome that way.

This year is off to a great start! I have lots of fun stuff planned!

I hope you are having a great new year as well!!

The Other Biggest Little Thing EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-02T06:56:00.002-07:00

Due early July 2012

Sunday Quote: A Going On

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002-07:00

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.
~Hal Borland

2011 Review: September-December

2011-12-31T07:21:00.002-07:00

September 2011 we enjoyed the last days of summer warmth, happy to let it linger until the end of the month. Cordelia turned 2!

Eric enjoying a walk along the river

Cordelia began wearing a daily uniform of the pirate dress.

Bumblebee was just as sweet as ever.

Cordelia's 2nd b-day

October 2011 was a fairly mellow month. We had a nice time enjoying the fall weather and had a great time with Halloween.

Daily life

Pumpkin hunting. She named her pumpkin Doh Dok---she still talks about it.

Two mimes and a pirate

November 2011 Eric traveled out of town to CA where he spend time with a close friend working on a film project. We also enjoyed a vegan Thanksgiving!

The leaves began to fall.

Thanksgiving

Decorating the Christmas tree!

December 2011 We spent a little time dealing with illness and Cordelia had to deal with a couple of days in the hospital. She rebounded quickly and was ready for our first Christmas in our new home.

Nutcracker

At the hospital

Back in action

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Thanks for reviewing the year with me. What a year it has been! I can't wait for 2012. Have a safe and sanitary New Year's Eve!

Remember tomorrow I will be premiering my new header.

2011 Review: May-August

2011-12-30T07:17:00.005-07:00

May 2011 we found ourselves settling into spring in our new home. We spent much of our time outside!

Eric and Cordelia playing organ

Cordelia looking at flowers

Being a kid

Gardening

June 2011 we traveled to Montana. We also celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. When we were home we spent most of our time outside in our wonderful back yard!

Cordelia playing in the yard

At the Missoula Art Museum

Watching a local ball game

Checking out a stream in the mountains

July 2011 we hung out at home for most of the month, but did end up visiting friends in SD at the end of the month.

Eric and Cordelia waiting to watch the parade

Playing in a fountain downtown

Relaxing in the backyard

In SD, Cordelia was having her silhouette cut

August 2011 we finally graduated, we visited my brother and sister-in-law in NC

Eric with his diploma ***There were our actual diplomas, we made fake ones while we waited for the real thing to arrive in October.

Me with diploma

Cordelia's first flight on our way to NC

Cordelia at the Duke Art Museum---the humidity of NC was great for those curls!

The family in NC

2011 Review: January-April

2011-12-29T08:52:00.004-07:00

January 2011 found us living in an apartment, working on our theses, preparing for a gallery show in March. Cordelia was just busy enjoying toddlerhood.

Cordelia, Bumblebee and I out on a walk on a warm January day

Eric and Cordelia enjoying a rare warm day.

Cordelia, modeling for Wyoming Rose

Just a sweet girl

Eric and I also learned a bit of curling. Olympics here we come...

February 2011 was a time of more preparation. We worked hard to have fun in the midst of a very busy schedule!

Family photo

Coloring girl

Bumblebee

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day

March 2011 was a big month for us. We had a big show, I also participated in a faculty show at the college. We started the process of buying our first home as well!

Cordelia began insisting on the blue coat 24/7

Our show opened

We had a great time

We were interviewed for the paper

April 2011 we moved into our first home!!!!

Sam helped Eric and I move

Cordelia began to take a keen interest in her ensembles.

I turned thirty.

This photo just charms me.

We also took a trip to Durango, CO.

A Little Change Will Do Us Good

2011-12-28T06:47:00.004-07:00

Maybe it is because my childhood was full of constant change, but I have always had to prepare myself a bit for change. We moved a lot when I was young. I'm not complaining because I think it really helped me to be a bit more outgoing and resilient. I do have early memories of my mother preparing me for change. She would even prepare me if she was to get a new haircut, although this may have been to save herself from the exclamatory remarks of unprepared children. She would explain to me what was happening and why and then she'd generally put a positive spin on it, making the whole experience seem like nothing more than an awesome event to anticipate. Most importantly she'd give me the tools to deal with the change, even small ones. She still does this to some degree, which is appreciated---not everything changes.

Don't get me wrong I often embrace change, it is really an exercise in futility to pretend that things can/would/should stay the same. Life is really marked by change isn't it? Graduation, marriage, children, etc. those are the markers of change.

So, tell me does all of this talk about change have your palms sweating? Are you running through scenarios of where I might be taking all of this change talk? Well, really I am dramatically over-hyping the change that will be coming here in the New Year, but I wanted to prepare you lest you become confused on New Year's Day and think you've stumbled into some alternate blogging universe.

Are you ready for this?

Really ready?

Nothing has changed yet....so don't panic, but I will have a new blog header on the first.

There, I've said it! I feel good about it. How do you feel about it?

Eric and I have been tossing around ideas for some time now and we finally settled on one. Eric is my blog header designer you see. Last night we did a little photo shoot---the following photos really give you no indication of what the final design is, but I thought I'd share.

Naturally the whole family was involved and when you take our crew things can get a bit crazy. There were multiple outfit changes for all parties as we settled on our design. There was laughter. Bumblebee begged for food and attention, preferring to place herself right at my feet no matter where I was. Then Cordelia joined in and started up her chant of,"Wanna hold me." I admitted that I did not want to hold her at that very minute. She did not take it well...

So I gave in and held her and pretended to cry as well (I really should write a parenting book don't you think?) and soon those tears turned into fake cry-laughing and then all was well with the world. We finished up the photo shoot. I was apparently the most challenging to photograph as I am a bit of a wiggler/shifter and I tend to "make crazy eyes," according to Eric.

Eric stayed up late designing an awesome new blog header which I cannot wait to share with you, so for now just consider yourself prepared for change. January first the new blog header is coming at you!

Slower Pace

2011-12-27T09:33:00.003-07:00

The holidays always bring with them a slower pace, at least for us, although I did hear that there was a near stampede at the local Target yesterday as bargain hunters tried to grab the 50% off Christmas deals. We, thankfully, have managed to avoid any stampeding in our house, unless you count Bumblebee stampeding to grab food that Cordelia has dropped on the floor. Recovering from a minor outbreak of the common cold and the free schedule have really left us to savor the small moments in a day, even more than usual.

We have had coffee, cookies, naps, snuggles. We've been reading and creating. Talking to friends and family. I am really looking forward to the new year, but mostly I am just filled with gratitude for this time in my life.

How have you been enjoying the holidays?

Christmas

2011-12-26T07:09:00.004-07:00

Hello! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with those whom you love. We had a lovely day, in spite of the fact that several of us are fighting our way through a winter cold.

Eric and Cordelia wearing pajamas and fake laughing

Cordelia, cautiously approaching the present pile

My mom came looking gorgeous. Both of my parents were well dressed and the rest of us were in pajamas.

My dad could hardly contain his enthusiasm.

Sam was a trooper, he felt really sick.

The sun finally rose over the mountains and it was time to play with Cordelia.

Later we enjoyed vegan cinnamon rolls covered in a caramel sauce made by my mother. SOoooooOOoOOOo good. Our little family started feeling ill by late morning (definitely not due to the cinnamon rolls, but rather a virus), nothing major, we just spent the day snuggled up on the couch, watching movies and napping (no shame in that). I rallied and made our crew a nice dinner. Overall, it was really a mellow and wonderful day. I hope you had a special Christmas as well!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T06:02:00.001-07:00

World's Smallest Snowman

2011-12-24T07:58:00.004-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, just as Cordelia was waking up from her nap, we got word that my brother, sister-in-law, and mom were on their way over. The purpose of the visit was to make a snowman with Cordelia. She was soooo excited.

Unfortunately the snow wasn't exactly cooperating. I don't think it could have been any more powdery than it was. Ben was not about to let that stand in his way. He pushed on...

Ben and Cordelia desperately trying to make the snow stick. Ben even utilized a spray bottle, to no avail.

Busy at work, Cordelia giving quite a smile to the camera

Sara resorted to drawing a snowman

She probably exhibited the most sense

Cordelia was quite impressed with the completed snowman

My beautiful mother

Cordelia rolling a snowball

My mother and I stood around being super helpful

Cordelia was pleased with the end result, a very tiny snowman

Mostly she was just so happy to spend time with her family

Sara said that I would regret making that face, but I feel only pride.

After the cold snowman making experience we headed indoors for a little hot chocolate.

Cordelia helped me finish up some last minute food gifts and spent some time having private tea parties with her Sara and Ben. A wonderful afternoon!

Christmas Eve, Eve

2011-12-23T07:15:00.005-07:00

I awoke to the sweet sound of toddler voice this morning. Cordelia called to me from her room, "Momma, wanna snuggle in your bed?" How could I resist? We spent some time snuggling, Eric was oblivious as he was in a very deep sleep. Cordelia did some counting, told me a few notions that happened to be passing through her mind. Then we decided to get up as the sun was beginning to rise over the mountains, illuminating the horizon and shedding light on this important day of Christmas Eve, Eve.

Today is all about wrapping things up. I mean this in a literal sense as there are a few gifts to still be wrapped, but I also have some gifts to deliver, some Kindness Bandit activities to attend to, I need to spend some more time with Ben and Sara (they have to leave tomorrow), and we have a party to attend as well. I am going to hit the ground running today with a happy heart.

What do you still have to do to prep for Christmas?
I will be back here tomorrow as usual!

Project: Bird Donuts

2011-12-22T08:48:00.004-07:00

I call this project bird donuts, but Cordelia calls it fancy bird feeders---take your pick.

To create bird donuts you will need:

Yarn or string of some sort, scissors, a donut tray (I found mine at a thrift store), some oil spray (I am not really sure if this is helpful or not, your call) and one very adorable helper

You will also need birdseed and water

The steps:

I sprayed the donut pan with oil (again, not really sure if it was necessary). I wrapped my string around the center of each donut, leaving a tail out of the top for hanging later.

Next we scooped in the birdseed, filling the donut holes almost to the top, leaving just a bit of room for water.

We added the water. I say "we" particularly because you should note that a toddler's help might not extend to this part if you don't want some spillage. The seeds were of different weights, some floated while others sunk so the seeds were well distributed.

We popped those bad boys into the freezer for a few hours.

Cordelia inspected to ensure that they were frozen.

I got out a cookie sheet and poured about a 1/4 inch of hot water in and placed the donut tray into it. The donuts popped out easily.

I marched outside and hung the bird donuts from a tree that stands in front of our front window.

Now the real question is will the birds get this or the squirrels? My money is on the squirrels, they are ruthless.

Vegan Chocolate Bark

2011-12-21T07:14:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I spent most of the day with my family, but I did sneak off for a couple of hours to complete some holiday food/gift prep. I decided to make my own version of chocolate bark it was super easy and quite tasty as well.

If you want to make your own you can simply follow these directions:

Microwave safe bowl for chocolate melting
Spatula
A small container, I used an 8 x 8 baking dish, but you just need something of a comparable size.
8 oz vegan semi-sweet 60%-70% chocolate (I found this with surprising ease)
Wax or parchment paper
Toppings: I used pecans and cranberries but you could do so many things...nuts, peppermints, sea salt, pretzels, etc. You are only limited by things that go well with chocolate.

Directions
First, prepare your baking dish. Put wax or parchment paper on the bottom and up over the sides, double layer if necessary (see my pic, you'll want some overhang to grab onto). Next, melt the chocolate according to the directions on the packages and then stir it up. Pour the chocolate into the dish, using your spatula to get it all out of the bowl. Make sure that the chocolate is spread in an even layer that is about 1/4 inch thick. While the chocolate is still liquid-y add your toppings, just letting them settle into the soft chocolate.

I tapped the container on the counter a few times to ensure that the chocolate settled evenly. Put the whole thing into the fridge and let it cool for a bit, the chocolate will harden. Do something else to distract yourself from pulling it out too soon.

I made vegan chocolate chip cookies while I waited. These are gifts people, I'm not just a crazy chocolate freak.

Once the chocolate has cooled and hardened you can take it from the fridge. Next, use the overhand of the wax or parchment paper to lift the whole thing from the baking dish.

Break off any super thin pieces that may have dried on the side. Cordelia was more than willing to help with those bits...along with cookie dough.

Break the chocolate into chunks, you can choose the size; I went for a size that was a few bites. Wrap it up and gift away.

Crab-walking Lessons, Little Hats, Real and Imaginary Food

2011-12-20T09:02:00.005-07:00

We are enjoying family time this week. My whole family is together! Yesterday the crew came over to my house for lunch only Eric was absent as he had to work.

We ate lunch and then Cordelia took whomever was willing to join her up to her bedroom and put fancy hats on them and enjoyed a tea party (with imaginary tea and cookies).

Ben, teaching Cordelia to crab-walk

My dad, just wearing a little flowered hat

Sara, wearing the highest honor, the sparkle hat

Sam, who has been to many many tea parties, opted to feign sleep.

My mom was crocheting while the party was going down.

Later Eric and I finished up some Christmas shopping and then met my siblings and sister-in-law for dinner. My parents hung out with Cordelia and the dogs.

What are you up to? Spending time with friends and family?

Early Present

2011-12-19T07:14:00.004-07:00

Yesterday afternoon seemed like it was going to be nice, simple and straightforward. I spent the afternoon grading finals, submitting my grades (hello winter break), picking up around the house and making cookies, nothing major. Eric finished off his Christmas shopping while Cordelia snoozed away. He put my Christmas present under a purple sheet in the garage and told me not to look at it. I have, as a result, been avoiding even casting a glance in that direction.

Around 4 pm we decided to head to my parent's house. We planned to head over for a little Christmas decorating (they put it off due to still-a -puppy Bode) and some dinner, mostly just hoping for a much more mellow Sunday than the week before (we ended up in the ER last week). We loaded up into our car; cookies, humans, Bumblebee. I drove the longer route which goes by the river, wearing sunglasses as the last few rays of the setting sun were rather intense. Since I didn't take the customary route to my parent's house Cordelia was very concerned that we might be going the wrong way. She asked me to turn the car around. I explained that we were just going a different way and she kept repeating that for the last mile or so.

When we pulled into the driveway we noticed a red car with Colorado license plates parked in front, at the curb. "Who's car is that?" Eric wondered.

I looked it over and didn't think there was anyone from CO who would be visiting my family and said, "It has to be people visiting the neighbors across the street."

We gathered ourselves together. Eric grabbed Cordelia who was worried that her hands would freeze between the car and the front door as she'd taken her gloves off. I grabbed the cookies and Bumblebee who was whining and shaking with excitement.

We got to the front door and I suggested that I enter first so Eric didn't get caught in between the dogs who enthusiastically greet each other. We opened the door and Bode came bolting down the stairs. Bumblebee went rushing up, pulling me. I was vaguely aware that there was someone on the stairs, but I didn't look up as I was dealing with Bumblebee. Finally, a few steps up I paused just long enough to see who I was dealing with. I think I was planning to advise them to help Eric who was holding Bode at the front door, but when I looked up I was face to face with a big surprise!

Ben! My brother Ben is here in WY!! He and Sara had flown into CO and gotten a rental car to drive up here. I said, "Oh!" I was so completely surprised that I was, in fact, momentarily dumbfounded. I hugged my brother, tight. Then I headed upstairs where his lovely wife Sara was waiting. What a huge surprise! My mother was the only one in the know and that was because Sara had told her the day before.

Our family is all together for the first time since August of 2010. I am so happy that we are all in the same place at the same time! They can't stay for Christmas, but we get them for the whole week!

Here is a picture of Ben and Sara from this summer. I didn't have my camera last night.

Sunday Quote: Look Deep

2011-12-18T04:33:00.000-07:00

Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better.
~Albert Einstein

Wonder Pets

2011-12-17T07:19:00.004-07:00

Have you heard of the Wonder Pets? If you are a parent to a toddler I assume you have, if not---then perhaps this is the first time you are learning of them. They are a team of animals (a guinea pig, a duckling and a turtle) who rescue animals in trouble, from a children's tv program.

We don't allow Cordelia to watch much TV, but she is absolutely crazy about these Wonder Pets so we allow her to watch a bit of Wonder Pets on Netflix. She uses her imagination, playing Wonder Pets, throughout the day. Eric and I are happy that she has turned this into something fun that really fosters her imaginative play and we really love to encourage that kind -o- thing.

Eric had the great idea to make Cordelia her own Wonder Pets cape. So yesterday evening I sewed up a little cape. Eric designed a W logo for the back and put on a snap. When we presented her with the cape she was beyond thrilled. She put it over over her cupcake pajamas and went crazy playing and using her imagination.

Simple project that sure made a big impact. I have no doubt that there will be some public cape wearing in our future. Ahhh, the magic of a cape.

Mr. Busypants

2011-12-16T08:33:00.002-07:00

I have been busy this week. Actually Eric and I are notoriously busy people. We are always working on some project or new plan. Usually this keeps life interesting and exciting, but there are times when worlds collide and things get out of hand.

Take all that Eric has going on this week: he had to travel out of town for work, return home to spend time in the hospital with his sick girl, he sold two pieces of artwork (which he matted, framed and delivered), he tested for and got his high yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do, he had to give a presentation on the website he had been designing in the evenings after Cordelia and I have gone to sleep, he had his actual job, he has to do sound design for an upcoming video installation, he has a meeting for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, he has band practice, he has to take a bunch of photos of local museums for a project that he is involved with and he has also been working on his second film script.

He has been doing this on top of being an amazing father and husband. He will often just hang out with Cordelia so that I can take a bath or do whatever I need to do to wind down. Last night as I came in the door from work (last class of the semester) he was wearing a large brimmed purple hat and playing some wild and crazy game with Cordelia. I don't know how he does it on weeks like this, but I am so glad that he does. Life is rarely dull with this amazing guy.

Loose Ends

2011-12-15T07:16:00.004-07:00

I have been a little singular in my focus lately, ensuring that Cordelia is on the mend has left many other tasks unfinished. When we came home from the hospital on Tuesday there was much to be done just to get the house under control. We'd left in such a hurry that there were funky messes all over. I had a bunch of laundry to do, sterilization was absolutely a necessity for a few items in our home---not to mention the regular upkeep that had gone undone.

As you can see our little patient is feeling much improved

So I have been slowly working my way through general maintenance: sweeping, mopping and sifting through the piles of stuff that seemed to have multiplied while we were gone. I am also fitting in paper grading as I go along, the semester is nearly over and grades will soon be due.

Now I am now on to the fun projects that circle around the holidays. I am finding that even a few lost days have meant that I need to amend my rather ambitious list. I may not be sewing jackets and purses this week. A few people may be getting gift cards instead of the handmade gifts I had hoped to finish up, but I think I can still pull it all together to be a very special first Christmas in our home.

She is back to her silly self.

Over the next couple of days I hope to complete my Christmas shopping, wrap gifts, finish up a few handmade gifts and projects, our end of the year family newsletter (easier for us than Christmas cards), mail several packages, do some baking for a few goody baskets (also delivering the baskets), figure out if I am doing a Christmas dinner (plan for that if necessary), and I have a little bit of a Kindness Bandit Blitz in the works.

Glad to be back in the swing of things.

Do you have a lot to finish up in the next 10 days?

From Home

2011-12-14T07:54:00.003-07:00

Cordelia is home! She is on the mend and we are hopeful that she will suffer no more episodes. We have to remind her to take it slow because she still runs out of steam pretty quickly, but mostly we are all just happy to be home.

Today we are just trying to get caught up, keeping an eye on our girl, and remembering that we should probably get some stuff done for the holidays.

Here are a few photos from the past couple of days in the hospital...

Cordelia and Eric resting in the hospital bed.

Cordelia and I snuggling in the hospital bed.

Cordelia catching up on some much needed rest

Taking a nap while Cordelia was sleeping/snuggling with her dad. Sunday night had been a looong night.

Yesterday morning, a bit before we got to head home

Hope you are well.

Back to normal blogging tomorrow!

From the Hospital....for the Last Time (We Hope)

2011-12-13T07:48:00.003-07:00

Last night they let her drive around in the wagon, iv trailing along for the ride

We spent another day and night in the hospital to undergo some more testing and to monitor her as she has been improving. Ultimately the test results have been a bit mixed, but the doctor thinks she has/had a stomach virus, urinary tract infection and an allergic reaction to the initial medication they gave her.

When we arrived on Sunday night she was extremely ill, but after a lot of iv fluid and medication she is starting to look and feel significantly better. She has been so sweet and polite to the hospital staff, thanking them for things that she is certainly not thankful for.

We expect the doctor to show up for rounds this morning and hopefully send us back home where we can continue to monitor her. So, hopefully we will soon be home and returning to normalcy.

I just wanted to mention how thankful I am to my mother for helping as Eric was out of town when we admitted Cordelia. My mother was here the whole first night and much of yesterday. My father and brother were super helpful watching Bumblebee while we have been away.

From the Hospital

2011-12-12T11:15:00.002-07:00

I know I am late in posting today. I have good reason. Yesterday Cordelia was hit with another blast of whatever mystery illness she has been intermittently struggling with for the past couple of weeks. Things deteriorated and we found ourselves in the ER.

In the ER last night

Later we went home with the mystery still unsolved. She seemed to be doing better and then suddenly she wasn't, so we came back to the hospital. She was admitted and testing has begun. Probably this will be one of those mystery illnesses of childhood. We will be here for another night as they continue to monitor her and run some tests.

Just so you aren't too worried she is still being her silly self. A few minutes ago she asked me if we could make cookies. She also keeps trying to drink from her iv because she thinks it is like a big straw. Not to worry, this could be much worse. We are just thankful to be in a time and place where she can receive the help she needs.

Sunday Quote: Worthy of Writing

2011-12-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

"If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten; Either write things worthy of reading, or do things worthy of writing." -- Benjamin Franklin, May 1738

Clash of the Titans: Wonky Foot and Stubby Tail Play

2011-12-10T09:33:00.002-07:00

Sometimes I Bode-sit. When my parents are busy and they don't quite know what to do with their still untrustworthy pup (he's not yet 1 and he is foolish enough to eat anything---plastic bags, garbage, chunks of funk, whatever) they bring him over to hang out with us.

When he arrives there is a thirty minute period of pure chaos, happy chaos. Cordelia laughs but asks,"Wanna hold me." The cats go up to their granny room and let me shut them in where they blow off their tension with 11 hour naps. I close all of the doors to any room that I can't supervise so Bode won't run in and start eating something. On more than one occasion I have found him wolfing down stuffing that he tore from Bumblebee's dog bed.

The dogs are oblivious to all of this and just dive right into play...

Same Day , Different Years

2011-12-09T07:23:00.003-07:00

All of these photos were taken on December 5th beginning in 2008. I just love looking back and seeing how things have changed and how they have stayed the same over time.

2008

2009

2010

2011

How has your life changed or stayed the same over the last few years?

On the Mend

2011-12-08T08:33:00.003-07:00

We've been dealing with a sick toddler for the past few days. Cordelia has been under the weather. We had to make a trip to the doctor on Tuesday afternoon, where the doctor assured us that we were past the worst. We were relieved and went home to relax for the night. Then it got worse. Our little lady was sick, not emergency sick, but sick none-the-less.

We made it through a very long night and then in the morning I held a worn out little lady in my arms as she slept soundly for several hours. We made it through the day without anymore events (trust me they were events), just three exhausted people waiting for health to return. My mother came by with drinks to keep her hydrated, white bread and tiny crackers for a very sensitive tummy. Cordelia really loved the tiny crackers.

We just took it easy. Eric was amazingly helpful. He stayed home to help as I'd only managed to squeeze in a few hours of sleep the night before, and he wasn't much better off. We took turns snuggling the little girl. Normally she snuggles for only a few moments before she is ready to have a new adventure, but yesterday she was content to snuggle in for long stretches.

She went to bed in record time last night and slept solidly. I would occasionally creep into her room and check up to make sure all was well, but she slept soundly. When she awoke this morning it was as though the sparkle was back in her eye. She snuggled in bed with us for a bit and then she was ready to get up and play. When I asked her if she wanted to get up and get ready she said, "Will that be like a plan?" I assured her that it was indeed a plan.

So, with the resilience that only exists in the very young she is back to normal. She is back to playing and narrating every moment of her life. All is well.

Project: Wreath Enhancement

2011-12-07T07:29:00.004-07:00

I was at the store a few days ago and I spotted a solid looking synthetic wreath. The wreath was mighty plain, but at $2.99 who could resist? So I brought it home and decided to jazz it up a bit.

So I grabbed a few different colors of yarn, a small rectangle of paperboard and a pair of scissors for pom pom making. I wrapped the yarn around the width of the paperboard and then tied it off with another piece of yarn (see pic).

Then I flipped the paperboard over and clipped through the yarn.

The bundle of yarn will look like this. Fluff it up to create a pom pom.

Repeat with several different colors. Tie onto your wreath and then admire your work.

Kindness Bandit: Holiday Edition

2011-12-06T08:36:00.004-07:00

I haven't posted a Kindness Bandit post in quite some time, but 'tis the season for a little Kindness Bandit action. Plus I could use your help with this one. You see the other day I grabbed a couple of Angel Tree tags off of their Christmas tree. If you aren't familiar with Angel Tree they are a group that helps make Christmas special for children whose parents are in prison. The parent fills out an Angel Tree card with a Christmas gift for their child and whoever grabs the card gets the present on behalf of the parent. Eric and I grabbed a couple of tags. One is for a 16 year old girl who is to receive a CD and another is for an 18 year old girl who is to receive hair accessories.

We gathered the items requested, but I feel like there is something missing. Have you got any ideas? I just want to make the gifts a bit more exciting to open on Christmas day, you know really make their day a little better. I am not looking to go crazy. I still want to stick to what the parents requested I just want to make this something a bit more memorable. Your ideas would be most welcome!

Fourteen

2011-12-05T06:59:00.002-07:00

Today is an anniversary of sorts. Eric and I started dating (or whatever you want to call it) on this day, fourteen years ago. We became a couple when he was 17 and I was 16 and have spent the last fourteen years falling more in love (forgive me if you have a low sappiness threshold).

Prom 1998

This weekend we celebrated our anniversary in style. We went to the symphony and had a wonderful time, just enjoying each others company. I am so happy to have been able to spend such a long time with my very best friend and I look forward to a lifetime together.

Sunday Quote: In Winter Enjoy

2011-12-04T06:59:00.001-07:00

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy. ~William Blake

Something to Make You Smile

2011-12-03T07:20:00.002-07:00

Winter Hath Arrived!

2011-12-02T07:32:00.006-07:00

I had vague dreams of snow and cold last night. Small wonder considering the arctic blast we've been dealing with the past couple of days. The snow started falling on Wednesday night, lightly at first, but by yesterday morning the snow was laying in a thick blanket across the ground. The thermostat isn't expected to even flirt with the 30sF.

When the weather gets like this I often wonder about homesteaders, those folks who thought this was a good place to make a go for it. Sure, they probably found Wyoming in the spring or summer, but one winter here is enough to give you a decent education in cold. I know that my great great grandparents homesteaded here and I just shake my head in wonder that I've come from such hearty stock. I'm afraid that I wouldn't have made it in Wyoming back then....I would have wimped out and headed for the Pacific Northwest, because heaven knows I would never survive the heat of the Southwest!

Thankfully I was made for here and now. So, I am equipped with the powers to adjust the thermostat, curl up under a blanket, drink soy hot chocolate and have my husband sit on my feet when I become desperate.

Today, as the cold settles in we will be indoors. I plan to visit with a friend, write, play with a toddler, hang out with my husband and be so thankful that I have all the conveniences of the modern world. I will just enjoy looking at the crisp white layer of snow that covers our yards. I can marvel and the sparkle of snow as the cold wind carries it through the air. I can just be thankful for a warm day indoors.

What do you do on snow days?

Project: Keepsake Ornaments

2011-12-01T06:48:00.005-07:00

I am so excited for Christmas this year. I have already started the process of gift making. Do you do a lot of gift making?

This year I am trying to include Cordelia in the process a bit more. Yesterday we did some cool ornament making with salt dough (I was inspired by this tutorial). We made some ornaments as keepsakes for ourselves, but also one to give as a gift from Cordelia.

Using the recipe from the above link I needed to add a little more water, but otherwise it developed smooth and simple.

Cordelia, in spite of my warnings, tried a bite of salt dough....after putting it in her mouth she said, "Oh no momma."

We rolled out the dough (roll it fairly thin or you'll have super heavy ornaments) and used a small bowl to cut out some round ornaments.

I helped her to press her hand into the dough. I really had to push down on the back of her hand and each finger in order to make a good impression in the dough.

I poked holes into the ornaments and laid them out on an ungreased cookie sheet. I baked them at 300 for about 30 minutes, a little longer perhaps because I was distracted.

I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool down while Cordelia enjoyed nap time. Once cooled we came back to them and decided that they needed a little paint.

I tried a few different painting techniques. First I just painted her hand and placed it (carefully) into the impression, adding a little color to the print. I put her name on the ornament and the date as well. We put some green yarn through the hole and hung it on the tree.

Then I repeated the process and let her paint it....not the most beautiful of ornaments, but it was charming.

She was very proud and wanted to hang it on her little tree.

Finally I just painted in the hand print with paint. Looks solid. We will be sending this ornament as a gift from Cordelia to her grandparents in New Mexico.

Hopefully these keepsake ornaments will be fun to pull out annually and see how much she has grown.
Have you been doing any Christmas crafting?

Mothering

2011-11-30T06:44:00.005-07:00

Yesterday afternoon Cordelia was afflicted with a strange and mysterious allergic reaction to something as of yet unidentified. She had hives. She got sick (on me). She just needed her mother. I held my poor little sick girl in my arms (after I cleaned up), offering the only thing I could while we waited to hear back from the pediatrician. I kissed her sweet head and looked into those sick eyes and held her tightly as we snuggled together. She folded her little body into my arms and pressed herself into me for comfort.

Times like those are mothering moments. Sure, the daily life is where motherhood is really expressed, but those moments when my girl just needs her momma are so intense and so pure. I can't help but find myself completely overwhelmed by this gift of motherhood, of being the one who can offer the comfort that only a mother can offer. I held her tight and did all of the things that my mother had once done for me, as every loving mother does for her baby at some point or another.

Thankfully the crisis passed quickly and before the night was over she was dancing and playing, but even then she stuck close to me, just in case.

Vegan Gnocchi with Swiss Chard

2011-11-29T07:00:00.003-07:00

It's been a bit since I've shared a vegan recipe, so let's get back to it. Since we are a vegan family we do a lot of vegan eating. Here is what we ate for dinner last night. The recipe is simple, but really satisfying. Enjoy!

1 package of vegan gnocchi, you could make your own if you have that kind of time ( I don't). I have no difficulty finding vegan gnocchi at the regular store.
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 small and thinly sliced onion
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bunch of Swiss chard, cut away the stems and them chop the leaves into strips
1/4 c. Daiya vegan mozzarella cheese shreds
salt and pepper to taste

Cook your gnocchi following the directions.
In a medium skillet, over medium high heat warm the oil and add the sliced onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute more, stirring.
Add the chopped Swiss chard and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chars is wilted and soft.
Add the gnocchi, vegan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss it all together and enjoy with a big salad and some crusty bread.

How often do you eat vegan?

Project: Fabric Flower Headband

2011-11-28T08:30:00.006-07:00

Cordelia has recently decided that she wants to wear headbands. So naturally I thought that it would be a good idea to make her a few rather than buy them at the store. I made this one for her, but the idea would really work for adults as well. I am thinking it could translate well into a holiday headband for those parties that seem to pop up all throughout the month.

If you want to try and make one yourself you will need:

scrap fabric, 1/4 yard is more than enough, cut into long strips about 1 1/2 inches thick.
Fabric glue, super glue, or your favorite adherent
a headband blank, or re-purpose an old one that you have laying around
Optional: I didn't feel like it, but you could add all kinds of embellishments like beads, sparkles, felt, etc.

Step One: I used this site to guide me in my quest to make rolled flowers. I also kind of made up my own technique as I went, because that's how I roll (pun intended).

Completed fabric flowers and headband blank

Step Two: I used strips of the same fabric, though you could use ribbon, yarn, paint or whatever you like to cover the headband. I used my glue to adhere it periodically so the thing wouldn't come undone in the hands of a toddler. I left the raw edges of the fabric exposed because I liked how it looked, but you could neatly fold the fabric if you wanted to try something different.

Wrapping the headband

Step Three: I adhered the flowers. This is also where you could add the optional embellishments.

With the flowers attached

There you have it, a simple project that could also be a quick and easy holiday gift idea!

In My Heart

2011-11-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~Charles Dickens

Decorating For Christmas

2011-11-26T07:23:00.003-07:00

The first year that Eric and I were married we were living in Montana. Our families were, at the time, living in New Mexico. We tried to decorate for Christmas, but we were poor and young. The effort was pretty sad. I remember feeling so lonely for my family tradition on that day. There was no John Denver and the Muppets record playing (something that I'd had since childhood), no familiar decorations, no family members. Our tree was small and sad, I think it cost $6 at Big Lots.

Over the years we got a little bit better, but not much. We held onto that little tree because renters have no place to store a fake tree and people who own compact cars have no business strapping trees to their roof. So, we moved forward with our own strange tradition, but it never really felt right. Last year I dreamed that by the next Christmas we would have a home of our own and we could do it up right, making a family tradition of our very own and a magical Christmas for our little girl.

So, now that we do own a home we finally did it right! We blasted John Denver and the Muppets and set up Christmas and started a new family tradition of our own.

Eric set up the tree and strung the lights.

Cordelia got to hang the less fragile ornaments.

Our tree was completed.

We turned down the lights and sat on the couch (tradition taken from my family) and admired our work.

Team W

Eric helped Cordelia decorate her own little Christmas tree, the one that once seem so sad got to shine as a toddler tree.

Cordelia had an interesting method for hanging her ornaments

Do you have a Christmas decorating tradition?

Thanksgving 2011

2011-11-25T07:23:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the U.S., a holiday whose origins we collectively choose to ignore and instead focus on family time and gratitude. The day was super laid back. I didn't start cooking until early afternoon (tofurkey only takes 1 1/2 hrs to cook).

Bumblebee had to enjoy the view from within a cone, she just has a small wound not to worry.

My mother had to work a night shift at Hospice (she's a nurse) the night before and spent her morning catching up on sleep. So I made dinner and invited the family over for a feast.

On the menu: tofurkey, butternut squash stuffing, rolls, potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, corn, olives and pickles (family tradition), some roasted veggies, pinwheels. For dessert my mother had made a couple of pies the day before. It was a vegan feast with plenty left for today!

Cordelia smiling(?) for the camera

The dinner table.

Cordelia was a bit more interested in the candles and pumpkins on the table than in eating the food.

Little hands are so busy

My parents

Sam

Cordelia and I

I assure you that Eric was present as well, but he was behind the camera and I forgot to steal it to take a picture of him...so you'll just have to imagine that part.

We had a lovely day with family and now I am ready to start decorating for Christmas.

Hope you had a great day also!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:17:00.004-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving from me to you.

I am going to enjoy the holiday with my family and I will report back tomorrow. Until then, have a lovely day.

Dog's Life

2011-11-23T09:07:00.002-07:00

How it Went

2011-11-22T07:01:00.003-07:00

Yesterday morning the sun was shining, but it was cold and snowy outside. So we resigned ourselves to a day of indoor entertainment. Cordelia decided to put some extra effort into her ensemble. She chose leggings with striped socks pulled up and over them, purple shoes, a pony shirt with jacket over the top. I thought that was enough and then she broke into the scarf box. She insisted on wearing one scarf on her head, one around her shoulders and one around her waist.

When I pulled out the camera to snap a picture I asked her to stand up and she said, "Nope, I'm just laying down." How could I argue with that?

Then it was snack time. I pulled out some sesame rice crackers, hummus (she is nuts about hummus), and juice. We went down to the basement for snack time.

Bumblebee really, really wanted some chips. This desperate longing went on for quite some time. She would inch her chin onto the table and just gaze.

Cordelia then decided to aggressively hug her best friend.

Things got out of hand with the hugging, becoming more akin to strangulation with kisses. I warned her that time out was imminent and yet the assault continued. So, I took the little gypsy girl upstairs and placed her into the time out chair, emphasizing the reason she was in time out and that she was not to put her feet on the floor for any reason.

So she did this...completely unremorseful, the shame.

Finally she hung off the front of the chair, feet hanging just above the ground, laughing hysterically and so proud of her clever little joke.

I broke the cardinal rule of successful discipline and began laughing too. I tried to turn away and hide it, but she knew. So, I gathered myself together and instructed her to go and apologize to Bumblebee. She did, squatting down at eye level she said, "Sorry for being crazy Bee." Then she gave her a peace offering, covering her with a scarf.

And that is how it went yesterday. How did it go for you?

Holiday Home Tour

2011-11-21T06:50:00.004-07:00

We made it! Our weekend was insane, but getting through it all felt so good. Here are a few photos of the Holiday Home Tour (if you don't know what I am talking about read here) and the home that we decorated. I have kept the photos a bit limited as I don't want to have any identifying photos from another individual's home.

If you are wondering what is on the wall, it is a projected film, created by E.K.Wimmer aka my husband.

How was your weekend?

Sunday Quote: Fatigue

2011-11-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

Fatigue is the best pillow.
~Benjamin Franklin

More than Halfway Done!

2011-11-19T07:18:00.004-07:00

We survived yesterday! Eric and I decorated the home (not ours) for the holiday home tour event. Cordelia joined us and was perfectly well-behaved. She hung out and watched a few videos on the portable DVD player. Our friend Rachel also helped us to decorate it as well.

She did reach a point where boredom set in...then the Christmas tree was set up and she rallied.

Eric and I split our duties and worked together perfectly, as is our general practice.

We wrapped it up around lunch time (photos to come on Monday!) and were ready to hit the road.

Next it was onto the craft fair where my mother had lugged in everything and set it up by herself! I took over, sent her off to nap with Cordelia. Eric hunted down some food and had to duke it out (verbally) with the security guard for bringing in outside food. I was so thankful that he was able to get me the food as I was near my starvation point.

For the rest of the afternoon I tried my best to be a saleswoman, but when Cordelia arrived and started wearing the merchandise she proved to be the most adorable saleswoman and boy oh boy did she deliver a cute show! When we walked the circuit people would stop to ask where she'd gotten the poncho she was wearing and I'd happily direct them to our booth!

Finally we all re-grouped at the craft fair. My mom stayed to finish off the last bit of the fair for the day. My crew went in search of food and then headed to the Holiday Home Tour event as the snow began to accumulate. We did the walking tour of the open houses and then headed home for a the night. I was exhausted, but so happy that all had gone according to plan.

Now we have one more day of craft fair and we need to break down the set-up this afternoon when the Holiday Home Tour is taken down.

Wind, Snow, Art, Craft

2011-11-18T06:50:00.005-07:00

Yesterday was crazy windy. Naturally it was also trash day.Eric rolled our garbage bin out to the end of our driveway for pick up and we hit the road. I took Eric to work and then headed over to my parents' house for a quick visit. When I returned home the wind gusts were shaking the car. If you have ever been to WY then you probably understand what it feels like to been moved by 60+mph wind gusts, if not...well hopefully you never will have to have that experience.

I pulled into our driveway and noticed that our garbage can was missing. Cordelia and I got out of the car and looked up and down the street. Nothing. So I put my little lady on my hip as it was windy enough to knock a toddler over and possibly blow her across state lines, where I assume the winds immediately die out. We let the wind blow us down the hill to the end of our block (many many houses down) and still there was no sign of our trash can. We rounded the corner and continued on down the incline. Finally spotting our can another half a block down. I approached it uncertainly. Who could be certain that it was even ours, we were so far from home? Finally I spotted our faded address (never noticed that before) and confirmed that it was ours. Problem solved....until I realized that I had to wrangle a toddler and a giant garbage bin while climbing uphill in a significant windstorm. I did it! It wasn't pretty, it wasn't graceful, but the garbage can is now safely home and my toddler did not blow to Nebraska.

Usually following these insane windstorms we have a calm, and cold. We are expecting some snow this weekend which will will be a welcome change from the winds of insanity.

The winds brought with them something of a frenzy of activity. Today and tomorrow are going to be hectic. I am not really certain how things will play out, but Eric and I will be decorating for the holiday home tour (read here) and my mother and I will be selling in a very large craft fair. I think we have everything in order, now it is just time to do it.

I have spent my entire week preparing for these two events. I am certainly tired, but I am also excited. Eric and I have come up with some cool elements for the home we are staging and the craft fair should be a great opportunity to spend some time with my mother. That said, I will be so happy when the next 48 hours are complete and I can rest on my laurels.

What are you up to this weekend?

Myth of Adulthood

2011-11-17T07:11:00.005-07:00

When I was younger I was certain that there was some point, perhaps around age twenty five, where we (humans) transformed into adults. Something of an emergence into understanding. I don't really think I gave that notion enough consideration for it to crystallize, but I was just certain that when I was an adult things would all make sense.

Well, twenty five came and went and there was no moment where I shrugged off the cocoon of childhood to emerge as a full-fledged adult. Of course the "adults" that I knew claimed that they never felt like adults, but I just imagined that was some nonsense that they said to make non-adults feel better.

Later I was certain that it would be parenthood that would make me feel like an adult. However, when they let me leave the hospital with Cordelia I couldn't have felt less like an adult. I couldn't rationalize the fact that trained professionals were under the impression that I was adult enough to care for this tiny helpless babe.

I have continued to reach milestones that I have always equated with adulthood: teaching, home-ownership, a higher education. Yet, still I continue to feel like I am grasping at straws, adulthood eludes me.

Then the other day as I was scolding Cordelia for throwing her juice on the floor she laughed at me as I gave my best impression of a serious adult. I thought to myself, geez even the kid doesn't take me seriously. I kind of shrugged my shoulders and went onward, realizing that there is no true point at which I will feel like an adult.I continued to ponder just what I had even expected from adulthood and I realized that the myth of adulthood is something children create to give themselves hope that there will come a time when things make sense.

Finally, last night Cordelia awoke from a bad dream. I picked her up as she gave me a tearful hug. I whispered to her that everything was going to be OK. She sighed and fell back to sleep, comforted by one of the adults in her life. So, I am not sure that I will ever believe that I have grown up, but my kid thinks so and I suppose that is plenty for me.

Do you feel like an adult?

Amusing Ourselves

2011-11-16T07:18:00.003-07:00

Yesterday we were thrifting and came upon two treasures. The first was this very old, very tiny piano. The keys make such a pleasant sound, generally modern toy pianos grate on my nerves, but this one is nice! Cordelia was absolutely enchanted.

While at the thrift store Eric spotted a childhood treasure of his own, Nintendo NES---still in the box. Did you have one when you were a kid?

Needless to say, we were all amused.

Bowling...or Something

2011-11-15T08:12:00.003-07:00

I married a bowler. Eric loves to bowl. He calls himself Dragonslayer, his bowling ball is named Monster (etched in the side of the ball for good measure), he carries his own shoes. He actually uses the little air dryer for his hands. His ball is even balanced to give it a spin. It's crazy.

Eric did not marry a bowler. He tried to teach me. He really did. For a few years I tried to learn, but it wasn't my thing. So, now we have reached a sort of agreement. He bowls and I don't. If I do bowl...well, he's stopped trying to correct. OK, truthfully he will still sometimes say, "You know you should really move your hip to the side rather than swing your arm around it." My response is to smile as my ball slowly rolls down the gutter, praying that it makes it to the end. Either that or I hang my head in shame as the ball hits with a loud thunk halfway down the lane before pirouetting into the gutter, perhaps tickling a pin on its way.

On Sunday we went to a bowling party. I walked up to the desk and requested my giant clown shoes. I have big feet and these shoes don't do me any favors. We got our lane. The lights turned down. Black lights flooded the alley and last year's top 20hits started blasting loudly. I wasn't too keen on the scene, but I was rather thankful that there would be a distraction from my bowling.

We started bowling. Out of our little group there were 3 children ages 12, 5, and 2---myself and one other adult. I walked up to the lane. I don't do the running approach. I tossed my ball down the lane, toward the pins. I hit a few, but mostly it was pretty pathetic. I assumed that I could beat the kids. I was wrong. I was beaten by everyone. My grand total was 57. Cordelia bowled a 93. Instead of getting frustrated I just went with it. People high fived me when I did hit a pin or two. Jaws dropped when I got a spare towards the end. It was just silly and fun.

I didn't really care, in fact I think it's pretty fun/funny. I enjoyed watching the pre-teens "break dance" and watching everyone have a good time, bowling was just a distraction. Eric, well, he wasn't exactly proud, but at least he can laugh at his wife with the weird bowling technique.

Can you bowl?

Crazy! Crazy! Crazy!

2011-11-14T08:35:00.004-07:00

Sometime in August Eric and I were approached about decorating a local home for the Holiday Home Tours that happen in our community. We have this [sometimes stupid] mantra of just say yes and figure it out later, when it comes to artistic opportunities.

When we agreed to the project we were under the impression that the event was to happen the weekend after Thanksgiving, but about 2 weeks ago we discovered that it was in fact this coming weekend. Normally this wouldn't have been a major cause for panic, but it just so happens that Wyoming Rose has a booth at a huge craft fair and Eric's band has a gig. So we have been scrambling a bit to ensure that no area suffers.

A little more about the Holiday Home Tour. Our community has a great group of active people and we've been fortunate enough to get plugged in with them, as a result we have been given some cool and unique artistic opportunities. The Holiday Home Tour is a fun idea. People buy tickets and get to tour some of the cool homes in our community. We were asked to give our artistic skills to the decorating of one of the homes. This year the event has a Christmas Carol theme. We were asked to decorate a home with the Christmas Past theme, but with our own artistic flair.

So on Friday we were given access to the home to really check it out at let our ideas gain some ground. The house is great. We have tons of ideas and we have jumped right in. Since I am also scrambling to complete some projects for the craft fair I decided to focus my effort this weekend on creating new art for the Holiday Home Tour, dedicating the rest of my creative time this week to the craft fair. It's a balancing act people. Anyway, I busted out a ton of art in a very short time period...

First I made several silhouettes (a talent I discovered about 5 years ago) with a Christmas Carol theme.

Scrooge and a Christmas Tree

Cratchit with Tiny Tim and Scrooge

Candle and Jacob Marley

Cordelia is blowing out the candle....I think you can see the intensity of the effort in this photo.

With the silhouettes ready I decided that I should make some sculptures that wouldn't really steal the show, but would add a little handmade flair to our decorating. So I got to sculpting. I wasn't too keen on creating a bunch of clay birds as I don't want to become that lady that only makes clay birds, but I knew I could do them well and quickly so I busted out 8 of them.

We have a complete plan for the decorating of the home and I even got a little craft fair stuff done. So, I solider on this week to complete all tasks to the best of my ability.

Sunday Quote: I Never Saw an Ugly Thing

2011-11-13T06:46:00.002-07:00

I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may-light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful.
~John Constable

One Car Family

2011-11-12T09:15:00.004-07:00

We are a one car family, happily and by choice. We pay for gas, insurance and maintenance on one vehicle. The choice to be a one car family was deliberate. We save money for sure, but most importantly we end up spending more time together. Some days I drop Eric off at work so that I can run some errands. I try to limit the drop off to once or twice a week, but I do really enjoy the extra half hour in the mornings with Eric while we drive to work.

Cordelia, looking out the window as we drive along

We load up in the car and head out as Eric works out of town a bit. We get to leave the city (that's a joke, there are no cities in Wyoming) and get to see a bit of nature.

Eric and I talk about our plans, or whatever is on our minds. Cordelia will chatter for a bit and then grow silent as she enjoys the drive.

The car ride together gives us another opportunity to connect on those days that can be so busy. Sure, having two cars could be more convenient in some instances, but for us it would just get in the way. So, that is why we are a one car family.

He's Back

2011-11-11T07:01:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was kind of a long day. I awoke early and excited. I knew Eric would be home and Cordelia and I were ready to see him. We went through the daily routine. We ate our meals, took our vitamins, played, visited with my mother,Cordelia napped later in the day and then finally it was time to go to the airport to pick him up.

We arrived a bit early to allow Cordelia time to watch from the observation deck, which incidentally also has a dance floor. So, we watched planes for a bit. Cordelia danced on the dance floor. Then we saw a light in the dusky sky, his plane was coming in for a landing. We watched as his plane glided down and safely returned him to us. Cordelia asked,"Daddy in there?" I assured her that he was. We waited for a few minutes and then headed down to meet him at the gate. We could see him coming down a hallway, Cordelia tried to break free, but I held her back in fear that she would be detained and questioned for violating airport security rules.

When he came through the doors I let her go. She ran over to him, a bounce in her step, her pigtails bobbing along to the beat. Arms up, she reached him and dove in for a hug. "Are you here for me Daddy?" she asked. I wondered if he'd turned all LA on us...he wasn't sure what that meant and neither was I so we just let it go.

He made it home, safe and sanitary, a little more tattooed, a guy with some new experiences under his belt. He regaled us, well me really Cordelia was just kind of dancing around, with tales of his trip. Updating us on dearly missed friends and fun times shared. He was working on a screenplay with his friend Jarrod, but he also managed to fill in the time with some good stuff. Glad to have the family back together.

While You Were Away

2011-11-10T08:44:00.002-07:00

Eric,

You've been gone for almost a week and you will be home today! We are so excited to see you, but I thought I would get you (and everyone else) caught up on a few things that you missed while you were gone.

Cordelia asked me to give her some wings so she could fly up to the sun. When I told her that the sun was really hot she decided that she would just go ahead and jump up real high to get to the moon.
My morning opera. You know you missed it. For those of you that don't know, I tend to sing nonsensical opera in the mornings.
A couple of meetings about our art project for next week (more on that soon). Hopefully that will go smoothly.
I got us a couple of succulent plants. Every year when the garden reaches its end I inevitably adopt plants to add some life to the house. I abstained from buying the plants that looked diseased or on the brink of death---I am notorious for doing this (tender heart) and then infecting our house with a gnat infestation or infecting our other plants with something. Cordelia laughs at these new plants, not sure why.
Many strange meals. Apparently I cook with you in mind. When you are gone I just scavenge for food that will meet my nutritional needs, not necessarily something that resembles a meal.
I took the fastest showers in the world while Cordelia slept. I kept thinking I could hear her calling to me over the sound of the running water, so I hustled. Seriously a new record was certainly set.
Every time Cordelia spotted a plane she would point to it and say, "There's daddy." Apparently she didn't quite understand the situation.
You missed too many tea parties to count.
You missed raking the leaves....suspiciously.
You were just missed.

So, hop on that plan in California. Give the Burts a hug from us all and get home. We miss you!

Dangerous Vegan Baking

2011-11-09T08:51:00.005-07:00

I awoke this morning feeling bold. I thought to myself, today I will do it, today is the day that I make vegan peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips. What? You don't think that's bold? You're crazy, that is enough sweet to rot your teeth if you even cast them a longing glance. So much sweet that you'll need to chug gallons of water to regain your body's natural stasis.

Perhaps I should back up a bit here. A few years ago I couldn't bake to save my life. Then I became pregnant. I knew that I couldn't be one of those mothers who picked up birthday cakes at the grocery store (didn't want to anyway) because there isn't a large selection of vegan baked goods in Wyoming. So, I decided that it was my duty as a mother to learn to bake. Coincidentally I happened to discover EnerG Egg Replacer (they should really be sponsoring me by this point don't you think?) and the Joy of Vegan Baking. Suddenly I could do no wrong.

Now I bake and I get creative. I toss ingredients in at will. Coconut, sure. Candied pecans, why not? Then I had the very unoriginal idea to combine peanut butter cookies with chocolate chip cookies. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Dare I say that it just seemed to be too much. So, for about two years I have been working up the courage to make this combo, the combo that is almost certainly tempting fate.

When I awoke this morning I knew the time had come. Before I could talk myself out of it I dove in. I did it. I made my daughter help me...is that bad parenting or awesome parenting? Let's not dwell on it.

I did make the cookies small, for heaven's sake. I am not without my mercy. So, are they good you ask? Yes, to be certain, but with great power comes great responsibility. I will share 98% of the cookies, getting them as far from my home as quickly as possible.

Childhood Is...

2011-11-08T05:10:00.004-07:00

Childhood is playing in the leaves....

...until your nose is pink.

Monday Morning

2011-11-07T07:59:00.003-07:00

It is Monday morning and the house is quiet, save the gentle hum of the heater which is blowing air down on me like a warm breeze. My toes, with their pitiful efforts at circulation, are still cold. When I complain about cold feet Eric suggests that I put socks on. My argument to that end is that if you put a sock on a cold pipe it will just be a cold pipe with a sock on it. So I am just practicing the foot warming technique of alternate foot sitting as I type.

Last night I slept well. I awoke only once in the night to strange sounds, but then realized that it was one of the cats clawing away on the furniture. I have half a mind to buy only plastic and metal furniture. Anyway, in the night I heard the familiar sound of couch fabric being shredded and I called out, "Here kitty kitty." You see I have learned that the psssssst of a fake hiss only seems to encourage them. When they hear the psst they seem to scratch with renewed enthusiasm, as though they are being cheered on or something. Calling out "kitty kitty" makes them think I have food for them and they come running, but by the time they reached me last night I was already sleeping again. Jokes on them...and me because the couch is starting to look a little rough.

When I woke up this morning I was refreshed, the remnants of a strange dream were elusively slipping back into the recesses of my mind, just out of reach. I was up early enough that I had some time to lay in bed and read for a bit. A short while later I was greeted by a happy little girl whose curls, if that's what we are calling them this morning, were standing straight up in the air. She smiled beneath her tangled halo of bedhead and said, "Hello momma Dragon...roar" I roared back. We started in on the morning routine. Breakfast was toast, fruit, juice and cereal. She has decided to refuse the green portion of her multi-colored cereal--- knowingly she proclaimed, "That's yucky Momma!"

I am now surveying the landscape and I can see that a little housecleaning is in order. I have some projects lined up over the next couple of weeks and I suppose I had better get to work on them. I also have to post an online test for my students this morning. Mostly I am just kind of wandering about in a Monday morning fog, unwilling to commit to anything. I think perhaps the best plan is to have some vegan hot chocolate to clear my head...then we'll see where this day takes me.

Sunday Quote: Cat Spit

2011-11-06T04:56:00.000-07:00

Cats aren't clean, they're just covered with cat spit.
~John S. Nichols

Grandfather

2011-11-05T08:46:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite things in this whole world is watching my father be a grandfather.

***On an unrelated note I am hunting for a vegan product that will tame Cordelia's curls...

Project: Papier-mâché Bowl

2011-11-04T09:19:00.005-06:00

Do you remember 3rd grade? Did you do papier-mâché? Super easy and still so much fun! This is a craft that can be done solo, with a group, with kids, whatever. You can make this as simple or as complicated as you like....

You will need:

a bowl to use as a mold, another for making glue
newspaper or paper scraps
plastic wrap
flour
water

Step 1: Tear your paper into strips that are approximately an inch wide, length doesn't really matter.

Step 2: Take a bowl and mix 1 part flour with 2 parts water. Stir it into a gloopy glop. Here is the point where I should remind you to have a workspace that is covered with newspaper or something.

Step 3: Cover your mold bowl in saran wrap.

Step 4: Dip your strips of paper into the flour/water mix. Slap those puppies onto your saran wrap covered bowl.

Step 5: Once the entire bowl has a couple of layers of paper on it use your hands to press down and let the excess liquid seep out.

Step 6: Set the covered bowl(s) aside and let them dry for a few days, depending upon how wet it may take a little time. They dry faster in an area with good air circulation.

Step 7: Once dry pull the bowls out of the mold, carefully. Trim off the excess paper. You could get creative and use paper punches or anything to give the bowl an awesome edge.

Step 8: Paint

Now this craft can translate into so many different projects. Need to make a pinata? Use a balloon and do it yourself! The sky is the limit. Let's take this world by storm. Let the papier-mâché madness begin!

Weird and Random

2011-11-03T07:13:00.007-06:00

So today I have gone weird and random. Some of this stuff is good information, other stuff may leave you scratching your head...mostly it is just a bunch of stuff that I keep meaning to share with you....

First, and most importantly, you may have heard me mention the Copelands a few thousand times. Victoria Copeland (1/2 of the pair) has started her own awesome blog, Sixteen Cakes. Check it out. You will love her!

I recently discovered this blog, which is entirely focused on organization. Perhaps you don't know this about me, but I long to be organized...it's just not in my blood. When I see people who have folders and files and systems I feel like I've shot through something of a dimensional portal into a world that makes strange and logical sense. Anyway, I got all jazzed up by this blog and I have spent the past few days organizing. You see I have no difficulty using a good system, it's the set up that kills me. I will start to organize, but then I think about how much better things would be if I first painted them... So, I started my own family folder (like this post) and now I am thinking that there may be hope for me yet. Admittedly I spent a good deal of time on decorating, but I think I am getting somewhere.

My brother Ben is something of a wild guy. Growing up he was always doing dangerous (crazy) things. Even a few years ago he decided to row in a boat across Flathead Lake (it's huge) with no sunscreen or water. He thought (thinks) he can run faster than cars. He generally has always loved to terrify me with his antics. Anyway, he recently sent me this video with a note that read, "I'm practicing this stunt."

My favorite part is when he whistles.

Not to be outdone, my other brother Sam recently sent me this video in a text. He is using a leaf blower to push himself around on a stool

Finally, since we seem to have downgraded into how weird my family is...here is a post that my mother recently wrote. Wait until the very end, makes me laugh hysterically to think she took that photo!

So, what is weird and random in your life today?

Everything is Gonna Be All White

2011-11-02T08:52:00.005-06:00

Yesterday morning I woke up early and in the dark I walked downstairs like a sleep zombie. I turned on the computer and took a few minutes to myself to do some work before the rest of the house woke up. When it was time to wake the gang I climbed the stairs and went to the back window and pulled aside the curtains and was totally surprised by the softly falling snow. I stood a moment to enjoy.

Then I thought about a little girl who would be so happy to see the first real snow. I wandered up to the bedroom where she was lolling about somewhere between sleep and wake. I whispered in my mom voice (something that I believe develops during the gestational period), "Cordelia, it's snowing outside."

She sat bolt upright and said, "Want to put on my snow boots." So before long we were out in the snow. Cordelia was so happy to finally have real snow, but I think Bumblebee was happiest of all...

Unexpected Beauty

2011-11-01T07:02:00.003-06:00

I am one of those weird people who gives really strange and specific compliments like, "I really love the bump in your nose," or "I think the shape of your neck is beautiful." Sometimes I fear that I freak people out with these types of compliments (so I try to hold myself back from creeping out random strangers), but I really do enjoy finding unanticipated loveliness. The search for unexpected beauty is not limited to giving people weird compliments, but seems to be something of an eternal hunt for me. Perhaps it is a configuration of sticks on the ground, a way that a person has of talking, anything really. Do you do that?

Of course I find normal things beautiful as well, but it seems that I am always on the hunt for things that are beautiful on their own terms. Perhaps it all began during the tender junior high years when I couldn't really look at myself, o0r anyone else, as one completed piece without feeling insecure about everything (ahh 13 was wonderful); so I had to find small bits to appreciate like my hands or my elbows. Maybe it has something to do with interest in wabi sabi. Who knows? I am not feeling particularly introspective at the moment so we shall just let the mysterious origins remain intact today.

Here are some moments of unexpected beauty that I have happened to photograph lately...

Where have you found unexpected beauty lately?

Happy Halloween Monster Blog

2011-10-31T05:20:00.002-06:00

OK I am going to lay it out straight for you....I took a lot of photos this weekend. We have had a wonderful Halloween weekend and I promise to show you no more than 10% of the photos I have taken. Regardless, this is still a MONSTER BLOG (please read this dramatically, even in your head...perhaps a booming voice with an echo), and so very fitting considering that it is in fact Halloween! So, loosen your belt because you are about to be served a heaping dish of MONSTER BLOG!

Saturday we got ready for two Halloween parties. A big step up from last year's events of nothing and nothing else. We prepped our costumes, planning to go as a family theme, but when Cordelia requested her pirate dress (again) we relented and let her do her own thing.

Here is a hint....

We went as mimes. The costumes were a cinch, but who knew that white make-up would be such a hassle. We finally figured it out and piled into the car for our parties. I mentioned to Eric that it sounded like the beginning of a bad joke, two mimes and a pirate get into a compact car...

Family miming

Trapped in a box and pull the rope were the only moves in my mime bag.

Eric had a few special mime moves too.

Mimes and pirates living together in harmony

We went to our two parties. Cordelia was frightened by most of the night...she was not a fan of strangers in costume, but she recovered quickly and we spent the rest of our evening miming and playing with gourds (don't ask).

Sunday Cordelia and I attended a hayride. We had a marvelous time! I can't wait for next year.

We drove out of town a bit to a family farm. The day was surprisingly warm, about 60F. There was hay, there were lovely people, there were a few animals (hopefully companion animals...the vegan in me is hopeful).

Cordelia with her Grandpa

Cordelia with her Grandma

The hay ride was wonderful...though we did go through a strangely bright green field, everything else was the natural brown of the season.

While we were forcing Cordelia to pose on hay bales (because we are apparently incapable of just letting a hay bale pass us by) we heard the few cows mooing. She got really excited and thought that they were calling her. She took off running toward them. When she finally arrived she exclaimed, "Hey cows. I made it!" Then she proceeded to moo at them.

I love cows. I really do.

I mean look at those sweet feet (hooves).

Sunday night we were finally able to carve (wink) out time in our schedule to carve (you get it) pumpkins!

Today I am super excited to pass out vegan candy as I am sure that this will be the first year EVER that we have more than a couple of trick-or treaters!!!

Incidentally it also happens to be my 4 year blog anniversary!

Sunday Quote: Roots

2011-10-30T07:00:00.002-06:00

Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.
~Theodore Roethke

Vegan Butternut Squash Curry Soup

2011-10-29T09:19:00.003-06:00

Things have been cooling down here and with the onset of cold weather come roasted root veggies and soups. This recipe combines those two elements in a simple and delicious soup.

Ingredients
Olive oil, a tablespoon...or so
1 butternut squash
1/4 c. chopped onion, save the rest for later
1 1/2 c. veg broth
2 c. soy milk
1 1/2-2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. salt (more if you like)
pepper to taste
*anything else that sounds good to you (carrots, rice, whatever)

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Cut your butternut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard; I use an ice cream scoop and it works like a charm. Brush your halves with olive oil and place, cut side up. Pop them in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the flesh is tender.

Once the squash is roasted remove the flesh from the shell, again an ice cream scoop works well. Put it into the blender with either some of the milk or the vegetable broth or both. Blend until creamy, unless you like chunks, then by all means.... You will have to do this in a couple of batches. As you finish each batch pour it into a large soup pot.

Next you will add everything else to the pot in totally random order, it must be random--because I want you to feel like you have control over the situation. Stir everything together and heat over medium high heat until the onion (and anything else you may have added) is tender. Enjoy with some crusty bread. I added some homemade croutons (cube bread, season how you will, toss with a little olive oil and bake until crisp).

Little Things

2011-10-28T09:11:00.004-06:00

I thought I might just give you a taste of some of the little things that are big for me today.

Moss found on a hike with a friend, now living in a chipped teacup.

A little girl using her imagination.

Out my front window, the mountain through the trees.

Evidence of a tea party.

Flowers from my husband, just because.

Toddler art.

Paintbrushes and spools waiting to be put to use.

Light through the window

Building a tower.

Shadows of stars on my living room wall.

What are your little things today?

Crunch Time. I Need Your Help

2011-10-27T05:04:00.001-06:00

Do you remember your Halloween costume from last year? I remember mine, it was awesome (and weird), need a reminder? Here is what we did last Halloween....yes, we were in fact Star Trek Vampires! Last year it was just us. We had no party and one trick-or-treater and we did it up righteously (sorry I just had the word in my head).

Spooky photo by E.K. ....seemed to fit the Halloween theme...

This year we actually have stuff to do. Two parties to attend and we are falling short. No ideas. We need your help. Please help us come up with a family theme costume, weird is good. Here are our parameters:

Nothing that would frighten Cordelia.
Nothing generic.
Nothing too cute.
Weird is good, but identifiably weird.
Need to be able to make or assemble with speed.

OK, ideas? Please help us!!!

Vegan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos (Plus bonus photo of Cordelia)

2011-10-26T05:48:00.004-06:00

I have this habit of pulling recipes out of magazines with the hopes of veganizing them or using them for inspiration. I have no idea where I pulled this recipe idea from, but I have changed it enough that I doubt it matters...I can't even express to you how delicious this turned out. You've gotta try it! For real.

The real question is...was Eric drinking from the pink sippy cup?

Ingredients

2Tbs. olive oil
1 big sweet potato, peeled and cubed (1/2 inch pieces)
1/4 c. water
1 red onion (cube half and cut the other half into thin slices, keep separate)
1 can black beans, drained
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 bunch of spinach, stems removed-leaves chopped
6 flour tortillas
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 lime (use the other half for something else)
2 Tbs. vegan sour cream
1 small head of romaine lettuce, chopped into strips

Directions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potato and onion, cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the sweet potato begins to brown. Add the water. Cook over medium high heat until the water cooks out and sweet potato is tender (10-15 minutes), add more water if you need. Add the beans and chili powder, stir. Add the spinach. Cook until the spinach begins to wilt---remove from heat.

Next, lay out the 6 tortillas, evenly divide the sliced avocado and lay in the center of each tortilla. Do the same with the sweet potato and bean mixture. Wrap the tortillas tightly.

Wipe out your skillet and add a splash of olive oil. Heat your skillet over medium high heat. Place each burrito, seam side down, and heat until golden (about 2 min), flip and do it to the other side.

----While you toast the tortillas grab a bowl and whisk the juice form the 1/2 lime with 2 Tbs. vegan sour cream. Add the lettuce and thinly sliced onion, toss. Set the burritos on your plate. Place the salad alongside. Enjoy!

________________________________________________________
OK so this bonus photo is for my Grandma Carol. She reads my blog every day and loves to see photos of Cordelia. Here is a picture of my girl in her winter clothes. She insisted on wearing them and kept saying, "I'm a winter girl."

Before the Snow

2011-10-25T06:41:00.003-06:00

The snow is on its way---or so everyone keeps telling me. For my part I am perfectly contented with an extended fall, two days of snow for Christmas and then on into a long spring. Who else is with me?

We have been preparing the home for winter. Organizing the garage, blowing out the sprinklers, rolling up the hoses and avoiding the task of leaf raking. Since we are new homeowners we are kind of winging it here, hopefully we aren't missing anything major. Today I am off to buy Cordelia some snow boots---she is very excited.

I also recently took a morning hike up the mountain with my friend. We both suspected that this may be the last hike we take before the snow creeps down the mountain and blocks our passage for the next few months, although we did discuss the possibility of snowshoeing (I have never been and I am excited at the prospect). Have you been snowshoeing?

I believe that the snow is to begin falling later today or tomorrow, so I had better get out there and enjoy a little more fall today. Do you have snow yet? Are you ready for winter? Anything you need to do before the snow falls?

Bad Art Show

2011-10-24T07:14:00.006-06:00

I have made a few mentions that we were excited for an upcoming Bad Art Show. Well, it finally happened this weekend. Saturday night was the night. We headed downtown to Corridor Gallery to check out the entries in this awesome event!

Cordelia and I ready for the Bad Art Show. We almost certainly wiped her mouth off before taking her out in public.

Eric, all jazzed up about the bad art show

We found some bad art in thrift stores and submitted it, along with many other folks. I was talking to one of the gallery owners and he mentioned that one painting had been brought in by the artist. Apparently she was willing to accept the fact that she had made some bad art. If only I had kept some of my early works around to enter....there was one with mermaids (made when I was 14 or 15) that comes to mind.

I entered this piece found at the Goodwill.

Eric entered this piece which he found at a local thrift.

The opening was on Saturday night and it was great! People showed up in droves to look over the bad art, placing bids on the pieces. The winning bidder had the choice to save or destroy the work. Eric and I bid on a black velvet number that had the grim reaper riding a motorcycle, we were outbid---BOOO!

Death on a hog.

The crowd. Can you find us?

The news showed up. Cordelia later appeared on the 10 o'clock news, or so we've been told....she's gonna be big I tell you, huge.

Check out the giant cowboy and then the mini cowboys in the background.I love it!

The show was so much fun. I hope they make it an annual event, as I want some time to really hunt for my next entry.

Cordelia and I checking out the art.

Duck floating into a nuclear blast cloud???

Yes, this was there too...

We had a great time. What did you do this weekend?