What Year Is It?

The trouble with blogging since 2002, people can start to see trends and patterns. My life and the way I manage things begins to look somewhat predictable.

You may be thinking, Oh, this again. She's so behind and befuddled she doesn't know Saturday from 1994.

Feeling neglected? Feeling like I haven't stayed in touch, or just waiting for a reply?


The line forms here!

Oh My Goodness

So, so much goodness and I hardly know where to start or when to finish. I have hundreds of pictures I could share and lots of happy stories, funny jokes, dear moments and foodie confessions... we're talking Thanksgiving, family, mountains, starry walks, food, and a derpday! The derpday.

Hold on a sec. I gotta catch my breath.


Maria is 4. It happened. All of it... the glitter, the friends, the painting and flowers and fairy wings and hugs and affection, the elation and giddiness, the exuberance of a child in love with the world. The night before she turned 4 years old, I looked on her in wonder and I felt those sentimental stirrings... the wistfulness, not wanting her to be 1 day older. And yet every new day is good, every milestone is amazing, every new skill and bright thought is a blessing. So, as much as I would like to stop time and inhale more days of 3 year old joy, I am ready to welcome this new year... Maria's new year.

To begin with, thank you. You and you and you! We feel the love and support, we witness the kindness and generosity and we are so grateful, so awestruck. My friend Jola, who could not come to the party, could not help participating. She made 3 princess hats, with elegant tulle veils. Bill and Alison sent the perfect wings... Maria ran, exclaiming "I'm in the sky!" All our family, in the mountains for Thanksgiving, played and hid and seeked, and tickled and chased and shared and showered Maria with love and she loved them right back. Everyone shared in the excitement and jumped into her world. A lot of things and stuff can go into a party, a celebration, but it's the people that make it fun and special... and everyone we know has contributed to Maria's happy derpday.


I told you... I don't know where to begin... We ordered a decorated white cake. At home Max helped me make beet extract pink frosting and he guided me in adding some flowers and his sister's name. Then we topped it with a glittered fairy angel we made from The Toy Maker. Maria loved it. It made her eyes widen and her mouth formed a delighted "Oh!


Nice thing about an outdoor, garden party is the decorating is mostly complete... there were pomegranates and flowers and foliage and natural loveliness everywhere. We added our scrappy princess garland and the Sesame Street and princess cups and plates Maria chose... and that was about it.


Alex and Delia sliced bagels. Geoff was helping all over. William was a good gopher too. Max was a very supportive member of the party crew.


Ta Da!
Complete with a Calamity Kim apron, Maria was this happy all. day. long!


There were 3 princesses, including Princess Emma (pictured) and Princesses Izzy and Maria. There were 11 princes! William, Alex, Max, Nick, Tristan, Morgan, Karsten, Jared, James, Jacob and Jesse.


These princes were chillin'. Far away. Alex, with his wry wit, later remarked that the day was surreal. There was a great deal of pink and accessories, and not a Lego brick or robot in sight.


Tristan was a fun party guest. I noticed that he systematically visited each craft station and activity, where he quietly and contentedly enjoyed painting rocks and plaster flowers, then planted a real flower. He was with us at the pond and on our explore and wherever he was, he politely and thoughtfully played and engaged with people and the environment. Morgan too. What a little naturalist he is. He waited so patiently at the edge of the pond and time after time he could swiftly and gently scoop up fish in his bare hands.


All the fun we had at this pond makes me want to go back to the big pond where we celebrated Tristan's birthday.


Princess Izzy Isabella in her magical derpday wings.



Fun loving Nick and the princesses and of course cake. Mmmm... chocolate cake, and beet extract frosting! Tasty.


I am going to be very patient, but I expect to see a lot of emails with photo attachments coming in real soon...lol. How many cameras were working and flashing and capturing the fun? Many! Gretchen and I were messing with Hans this time, doing our over the top photo love. We are so funny. And a special shout out to the anniversary couple btw. I'm so glad you are celebrating together this year!


There were a lot of guests that joined us in celebrating Maria's birthday, and I am so glad they were there to hear Maria say, "I love you all. And thank you for coming to my princess derpday. And... and now I just want to open presents."

Now let's head out in to the park and enjoy the sights. Let's run around with cousins and friends and look for those frogs and float leaves...

Izzy, Maria and Jacob.


James, Tristan, Morgan, Maria and Jacob... fishing.




It's a nice treat to be in a favorite place and see people that I love there, together. We should do this more often.


Maria and her cousin Jesse.


Here is the adventure ready J Crew. Jacob and Jared, Jesse and James.


Did I mention that everyone was having a good time? I think uncle Rich would like to come back here to play again. He and Morgan were the most successful fishermen. Max and Nick made a cooperative and patient team.


Max held Nick while Nick prepared to make a catch... they didn't ever fall in, so I guess it was a good idea. It was certainly a pleasure to watch them playing together.




Happy birthday Maria. You had a vision and it was so much fun to see it come to life. I hope you always find a way to make your beautiful dreams come true, and I hope we can always be around to witness the joy you find and inspire.

Abundance

Family
Friends
Fabric
Food
Fun
Imagination
Health
High Speed Internet
Plans
Hopes
Quiet
Reflection
Chickens
Cats
Rain
Quilts
God
This day and the next.
I hope you find abundance too.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Recipes For 2 Small Eggs

Seems like most recipes call for 2 large eggs. So, if Betty gives us 3 in a row, I think we'll make something sweet and decadent for our drive to the mountains. And how honored are we by these generous, dear treasures she bestows? Max scooped her up when he came home from school and sat inside with her on the sofa... stroking her golden feathers and praising her, showering her with his admiration. I wonder what she thought of that!

When the hens are on the loose they run for the grass, then they high tail it over to a dusty place beneath the climbing rose and after they have bathed in dirt, they step over to the glass door and peer in. Beak to the window, they gaze and cluck softly. They see the TV and the dining table, the cat's food bowl, the long hall and tall ceilings... or maybe those are the things I would see. Maybe they see the housing inequity. Maybe they pine for plush cushions and slick floors. The cats sit on the other side of the door and stare out. The hens spend hours staring in. We cannot really know what they feel, but it's darn funny for us.

Delia is here. We've been catching up with hilarious Internet bits, and we've been listening to Maria tell princess stories at the dinner table, then dance between every mouthful of dinner. We've seen the elaborate and amazing creations Alex and William have displayed upstairs... like the fountain made of Lego bricks! We've sympathized with Max, still in school, and spending evenings with homework. And we've been checking our Thanksgiving lists, buying supplies, revising recipes and preparing to haul all necessities and other stuff up to the mountains... couldn't there be a simpler way to gather and have fun? I suppose not and I know I will not regret our plans, but it is a bit daunting.

We had to buy snow chains! I am in (almost) total denial about the prospect of there being snow and very cold temperatures. For one thing, I cannot remember where our winter clothes are... after Wisconsin, last March, what did I do with those thrift shop threads and dozens of gloves? Today will have to be a shopping day. Won't that make the numskull economists be proud... bunch of goons.

OKay. Don't let me go down that road. It's not that I don't think about the economic crisis or feel livid when I do, but Thanksgiving is on the near horizon and I want to fill my head and heart with gratitude and hope. It is not ignorance or denial. It is self preservation.

Yeah, so I'll be at a mall today and all I can think is: Meh.


I would rather be spinning my wheels some other place.

A game! Name 1 place you have to go this week and then list 5 places you would rather be! I'll go first.
I have to go shopping. I would rather be...
1. Highway 250 from Havi to Waimea
2. camping in Big Sur
3. Linden Hills, Minneapolis and Wild Rumpus
4. Wisconsin
5. Home


Alex is enjoying his break, as is William, but I think if they could go to a school, like this, where student art is science in motion and where there are workshops to teach computer assisted design and lessons on transmissions and drive trains... I think they would be extra happy Geeks.

Here comes a to do list... it has to be done.

1. make spaghetti sauce for first dinner in mountains
2. find winter clothes for 6 people
3. shop for whatever winter clothes I could not find
4. buy bouillon, celery, carrots, drinks, aluminum foil and something else
5. clean car and gas up
6. pack
7. pack
8. tie up all loose ends for Maria's princess birthday... now I call it Maria's Amazing Princess Glitter Extravaganza... she promised the grocery clerk that not only was he invited, but that there would be snow and swimming and monkeys in trees
9. hire monkeys... I kid.
10. Fill head and heart with gratitude and hope... so far so good.

Sunset, Salad, Soap and Cuckoos **An amazing Sunday Update Too... cluck-cluck


Oh. I missed getting a picture of the sunset. It was pretty. I almost said, "looking west..." lol. The sky had clouds on the horizon which turned pink and denim blue, then deepened to apricot and night blue. Even prettier, my Mommy. It's so nice to see her and hold her and hear her. To see her out of that neck contraption. I never posted pictures... too personal and sad, but I am sure you can imagine that seeing her out of the brace and healing so beautifully is an answer to our prayers. She's been staying with Hans, my brother, and his wife Gretchen, and later she'll honor us with a stay at Garage Mahal. And sometime in the middle of her stay, we are all going to be in the mountains! I need to make some more scarves! There may be snow! Gee, did this paragraph have a point? Pretty sunset. Pretty Mommy.


Tasty. Yes, I am devoting a paragraph to the salad. Gretchen made this salad and it confirms that I really should consider taking a salad making course. This is not me trying to be hard on myself. I can cook and I have good dishes in my repertoire, but salad is my weakest link. Gretchen's salad was a taste symphony and pretty. There's that word again. This is officially a *pretty* post. Gretchen is pretty and Gretchen's home is pretty and her salad is pretty. It had nuts and peppers and cheese and raisins and leaves and dressing... and it was just so darn tasty. And pretty.


The sun set and the light was a bit soft for pictures, but I still have to post this one. Pretty Tutu, coloring with Maria. Ruth and Hans and Gretchen are nearly neighbors now, just minutes away from each other. And Holly and her family are in the same area... and maybe we should seriously consider returning to the old neighborhood. Our Squaremont roots are strong. It was a good evening for Maria. She had 2 grandmas and a doting aunt, all ready to play with her.


It was great getting caught up with Gretchen and Hans. They always have adventures and amazing tales to share, and we enjoyed stories from the back trails of Colorado, to Europe and the Middle East, to in home opera concerts and chillin' with Lance Armstrong... nice guy btw. We even spent time rapt in sincere anticipation waiting for their cuckoo clock to cuckoo. Seriously, I love it when simple things are a pleasure, and friends and family gather to appreciate them.


Grill Master Hans... actually, I am not sure that is his real ranking... he may be like a rear admiral or a 5 star captain. Point is, and I may have one: He grilled us a mighty fine dinner. I am just sitting her and thinking of all the things I love and admire about my brother. What a nice reverie.


Didn't I say this is a *pretty* post? After dinner and before cuckoo time, Gretchen opened up her home salon for her exclusive and best customer. You may recall the last time Maria and Gretchen got together. Manicures are their thing. Gretchen is so patient and enthused. Maria is so patient and enthused! This time she got the 10 20 digit rainbow... ten colors on the fingers and ten colors on the toes! Tiny, tiny digits. It takes a steady hand and a stroke of artistic genius to paint those bitty nail beds. Maria stays perfectly still, and she kept her hands like that, poised and extended, for the rest of the evening.

Lets' see... 1. sunset 2. salad 3. Cuckoos...

Soap! Gretchen and her soap sister make lovely, fragrant, natural bars of pretty soap. I love the mild, light scents and Geoff does too. He made sure we didn't leave without replenishing our supplies. Gretchen and Joanne are selling at a craft fair next week and Delia is going to join them and sell jewelry. Hopefully we didn't deplete her stock too much when we took full advantage of the family price. Love the orange patchouli! Juniper berry! Rose garden! Enriched lavender!

Well, now it is sunrise. A new day. New adventures await. New pretties to enjoy. I hope you have a lovely day.



**Amazing Sunday Update**


Announcing the arrival of Lady Betty Orpington's very first egg!
Everyone sigh and cheer in unison!


Did I ever doubt her? Did I ever malign her? Did I ever question her gender, her femininity? Cast away all suspicion and acrimony. She is a hen and worthy of organic greens and broad sun filled meadows, babbling brooks. She has been a dear pullet all along. Was there something in her chickness that should have tipped us off? Perhaps.

Her tiny brown egg is like cream in coffee. It has a pointy end and is really well formed for a first egg. We are all so amused and delighted. And we are wondering... what do we make with the first egg?

Thoughts Are Not Feelings


Someone asked me about my feelings and she said,"Thoughts are not feelings."
I said I would have to think about that.
So, I'm thinking about it, but I am not sure what I feel about it.

The little dream garden, the rest stop for fairies and imagination, is doing well. It is tended by a gnome and is lit by a candle lantern. The chickens like to peck the violas, but they have not done permanent damage. Chango drinks from the fountain.

Speaking of chickens, Betty is crouching. Hens do that when they expect a rooster to come courting, and so now instead of bolting when we approach her, she hunkers down and endures our fawning. It's what a hen does! She's a she. I thought we had roosters so lazy they wouldn't crow, but we actually have hens. Eggless hens.


Our ailments are finally abating. It's so hard when in the thick of congestion and weary eyed woe we forget what it feels like to be well. Maria is still coughing, and zounds is she ever t e n d e r. Fragile, delicate, moody... all of the above. I hope that with better sleep and more time in the sun, visiting gardens and playing, she will feel better. Physically and emotionally more like the Maria we know.

William and Alex are on break. They have 9 days to savor their scholastic freedom, to sleep a bit later and luxuriate in unscheduled hours. Max's break will begin promptly when the bell rings Tuesday afternoon. I am looking forward to our days together. I foresee little adventures and holiday fun.

To add to our anticipation of fun, my Mom is visiting. And Ruth is almost completely settled in to her So Cal home, so this week we'll have 2 grandmas in town + we'll be visiting Great Grandma Eunice, and then Abuela Antonia will be attending the princess derpday! Busy, full days are ahead.


And now... and now I should clean, but instead I may tiptoe upstairs and finish a few gifts I am working on, and then I may tiptoe downstairs and add the final stitches to a quilt... the Aloha Quilt. Why tiptoe? I am the only one around here who might admonish myself for not cleaning. I think I must really like sewing. It feels compulsory. It feels good, like a wonderful escape. It feels like what I want to spend my time doing. It feels like not thinking.

Color Wrap

Thank you for all the sweet comments about Alex and his Fez Frog. He has been enjoying those as much as I have... maybe more. I think Santa and I have worked something out, so if Alex continues to be a good boy, this should have a happy ending. Maybe he can illustrate one of his grinning frogs. He draws these frogs, and lots of other amazing things, freehand, from his own vast and wondrous imagination.

We keep a lot of art supplies around here, and in the car and under the beds... coming and going... pencils, markers, charcoal, erasers, and paper of course! No wonder I've always admired those clever pencil roll carrying cases I've seen around. When "Lemon Tree Tales'" Tami made a color coordinated carrying case, I finally could not resist making one too. Mine is just a first try and made for washable markers.


I love the color match one that Tami made and I may still try that, but I knew I had to practice first. She kindly offered to share the details of the pattern, but I am too impatient and intimidated by patterns. I think her post and encouragement were all I needed to give it a try. When I finally stole time to put this together I just sort of worked around the size and number markers I had on hand. I also tried something kid-friendly for the closure. I covered a button in coordinating fabric and attached it to the edge and then I sewed on a pony-tail holder a few inches from the button. I think a young child should be able to pull the band over the button and keep the markers secure in their new home. The pens slide in and out easily, but they do not fall out... so cool!


If I can hide this from Maria, I may actually have a Christmas gift for her cousin...shhh! I've been one busy Christmas elf, but Maria claims a lot of the things I make! And I wonder how economical and clever it is to neglect all chores, errands, and responsibilities for the sake of homemade gifts. Let's not get mired in these technical burdens. Last night I made mice! Those mice have been an idea scurrying around in my head for several weeks... turning the wheels of my mind! I made one. Loved it. Fed it to Chango. He loved it and that was all the encouragement I needed! I hope to be shipping Christmas mice to all the cool cats on my list! I also have face cloths, scarves, hats, drawstring bags and coasters in my warehouse of homemade goodness, and if I keep reading "Sew, Mama Sew!" I will never run out of ideas I want to try.

Alex Wants A Fez For Christmas

He's been making his list and leaving subtle hints around the house.

Good News

As devoted fans since 1996, we are thrilled to hear, from thoughtful sources, that our favorite dynamic duo are in a new flick:
Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death
This news is too wondrous. We are so delighted, we can hardly comprehend the magnitude of our elation. I take this as a sign that
good shall prevail.

Gee, just when I had begun to believe this blog had run its course, I find new purpose and inspiration... if only to spread the good news!

Scenes From Our Sunday

These particular scenes are provided by our 3 year old resident, Maria. She is an artist. She is a tornado of creative industry. She is a visionary.






A girl and a boy and an angel overhead, all beneath a smiling sun, with a raining cloud and grass and a tree. But those are just details. I see so much more. I love this picture. The sun is so satisfied, basking in its own rays.


Angels are everywhere.


Maria was dismayed to see this picture on the screen. "I didn't put the thing on the chicken!" Do you notice the missing thing?


She sighed audibly when she fixed this and handed it back to me, "Here, copy this."


What for some may be clutter or pure randomness, in Maria's world is order and art, expression and play. She gathers her elements and puts them together. She fills the vacuums, the empty spaces, nooks, boxes, bags... her canvas, her space.