Keeping Dallas Weird

Waiting

2011-08-11T08:38:00.003-05:00

"Is it fall yet?"

"No."

"..."

"How about now?"

You're going to have to excuse me while I get this out of my system. I think we're at.. what, 40 days in a row of 100+ temperatures? 41? Anyway, I'm close. And we're just a day away from tying the all-time record of the longest such streak. It finally starts to really fry one's brain. Like say, the first time you get in the car and see 105 on the temp gauge and think, "Ah, we're having a cool day!"

College football season is soclose and I can't wait to have friends over once it's cool enough to hang in the side yard. And grill. And run my oven. And so I'm just waiting. Waiting for fall. Indulge me, won't you?

At my dad's house in Louisiana.

Another one at dad's.

Shake Shack, Madison Square Park, New York City.

At the Dallas Arboretum.

My living room (This'll be my first football season with HDTV!!!)

State Fair of Texas (an October occurrence)

It's just around the corner right? Maybe six weeks? I can make it. I think. Also, did you know that Florence + the Machine did a cover of 'Addicted to Love'? I love it.

Slow down you crazy child

2011-07-28T14:59:00.004-05:00

Once this song spoke to me so loudly and clearly, and it was lovely having it come up on the iPod shuffle today. Seems like ages since I've heard it. Now I've kicked off a whole Billy Joel afternoon (possibly weekend - you never know with these things).

"You can get what you want or you can just get old." Indeed.

Fan girl

2011-07-26T14:14:00.003-05:00

Three down, one more traveling weekend to go. Gah! My plants (and my pocketbook) have suffered tremendously, but otherwise I am doing A-OK, and having loads of fun.

Case in point.

What is going on with my hair there?? But really, Philly was a blast. It helped that a cool front came through the day I arrived, so Lauren and I had splendid weather to work with. By the time I got up to NYC, it was drippy hot again (as in, you just drip sweat). Bleh. But I made the most of it and had a great time.

Harry Potter was brilliant, and I continue to be a total 15-year-old fan girl over Matthew Lewis. That's Neville for those not in the know. He went from this...

To this...

Is that amazing, or is that amazing? I mean, I think it's simply amazing. What a handsome bloke. He's 22, so a bit young for me. But really, omg you guys, it's NEVILLE! I gotta say, it took a while for the shock to wear off. Yet another reason for me to move to the UK. Also, I really need to go see that movie again.

And re Amy Winehouse. With all her issues, I'm not sure we would have ever gotten another album out of her. But obviously, now we know for certain we won't. I've been listening to Back to Black a lot since I heard of her death. But this original demo of "Love is a Losing Game" is the one song of hers that gets played the most on my iPod. Such a beautiful voice.

On the road again

2011-06-28T15:54:00.005-05:00

June is almost gone. How does that happen? When school wraps up, and you look out at the expanse of June and July, it seems as though it'll go on forever. And then, in some strange way, time speeds up and suddenly it's July and ohlook! suddenly it's August and gah! it's over! The only comfort being that the weather is intolerable, so the sooner we get through summer, the sooner our electric bills will come back down.

A nice thing about summer in Dallas is the crape myrtles blooming. One thing this town ain't lacking is crape myrtles. I was trying to give my dad directions to my place by pointing out that you turn left where there's a big pink crape myrtle on the corner but really, they're on every corner. Not helpful.

It does make my front walk look like this, though. Isn't that nice? Like someone just got married on my sidewalk. We had one in our front yard when I was growing up too. They spit on you, you know. Like the faintest drizzle when you're standing underneath. It's nice.

So back in May, my mom helped me rearrange my living room. It was previously organized to accommodate a huge TV cabinet that I'd had for 5 years that was so large it would only fit in one place. It was wonky. So we finally ditched it, I got a new TV stand (and a new TV!), and now, this.

That's right, I can watch TV and bake at the same time. It's the best ever. I love being able to see the TV from the kitchen. My place in Austin was like that too. That's oatmeal cookie dough by the way. Yup.

But back to the summer and how it flies by. For me, July really is going to be a whopper. I'm traveling for four consecutive weekends. Can you believe it? What an idiot. First to Houston for what will no doubt be an epic house-warming party, and to finally, finally tour the Blue Bell Creamery. All my life I've wanted to do this, but since the tours are on weekdays only, and the Creamery is in Brenham, it was just hard.

Follow that truck!

Then the following Wednesday I'm off to the East Coast to visit friends in Philly and in NYC. And on Thursday night, at one minute past the stroke of midnight, my friend Lauren, myself, and a theater full of totally hopped-up, spazzed out of their minds Harry Potter fans will witness history.

Oh the agony of seeing it all end. How will we survive?? Rereading the books helps. I'm doing that now in my run-up to the movie coming out. I still turn each page like I can't imagine what's coming next. Genius. I'm looking at you, Rowling.

Then the next two weekends will be spent wearing my Auntie Manda hat and traveling to see these kiddos. And a few other people too.

Rock star Will...

Beautiful Mary...

And this deceptively adorable little girl. Just watch her, though. The second you look the other way, Suzy will rub Vaseline jelly into your mattress. It's true. Ask her mom.

Then I'm home! Phew! Can you imagine anything crazier? I can't wait, but I'm also exhausted just thinking about it. Does anyone else have superfun summer plans?

On tap

2011-05-22T11:04:00.006-05:00

What's on tap? These days, if you really want to know what I'm into on any particular day, it's on Pinterest. It's terribly addictive and fun. For me anyway. So let's look there to see what the hell I've been up to.

It all starts here. That's The Doctor and Amy. That is, Matt Smith and Karen Gillan. First of all, yes I'm now watching Doctor Who. Yes, I believe that adds tremendously to my nerd quotient. It's nothing like what I imagined or pictured from the version I was exposed to in the 80s. It's actually very rad. What can I say.

Also one of the guys who does Sherlock is the driving force behind it now, so that really helped me to dip a toe in. You guys know how much I loved Sherlock. The Doctor being super adorably cute also helps. It's British, which gives anything a boost in my eyes. And I suppose Haney is also to blame. She's my Brit/nerd enabler. So yeah.

But more importantly, Karen's hair. A little less drastic in this picture. Those of you who knew me in the mid 90s (maybe 3 who read this blog?) might recall my fascination with going red inspired due to another fabulous lady in a sci-fi TV show. Indeed, 15 years later, it has struck me again.

More red inspiration. I've got a whole pinboard of redheads (or gingers, as I and the Brits like to call them). What do you think? A little more natural, yeah? I think I can pull this off. I'm waiting for the school year to end first but will probably do it in early June. Summer red. Yes.

What else is on Pinterest? Let's see.

This picture of Paul Rudd knitting me a sweater.

This awesome Duck Hunt-inspired picture by Aled Lewis, a London-based designer and illustrator.

And a recipe for a toasted marshmallow shake. Which I am going to make. Very soon.

Also craft projects and pretty home interiors galore. It's fun stuff. And now, blog formula dictates I leave you with a song. The new Fleet Foxes album is very cool stuff. I ended up liking it much more than I thought I would at first glance, so I went and saw them live a couple of weeks ago. Check it.

Li'l Sebastian

2011-04-15T12:51:00.005-05:00

First of all, yes I did some sort of weird adjusting of the layout of the blog. I realized there were still some computers/browsers that would not adjust the size of the photos as I instructed it to do and I just don't know enough about html to figure out why or to know how to fix it. So I just changed the whole layout instead. Obvs I still need to fix the banner and I may tinker more. Just haven't had the time.

Meantime, happy happy birthday to my awesome nephew Will! He's the best. This is what I did to his present with my new alphabet stamps. Oh my gosh, you guys, I love stamps.

Then I put it in a box and sent it off on its journey half-way around the world. I hope he's having a great day!

Also discovered recently that I still have in some dusty corner of my brain the lyrics to the entirety of Fiona Apple's 1996 epic album Tidal. Ahh, high school.

Every. single. word. I suspect this is the reason why I haven't been able to memorize my bank account number in 6 years. wtf?

Lastly, I just love this in every way:

Are you guys watching Parks and Rec? Generally I'm so behind in my TV watching, but that show is just a big ol' ball of joy for me. What can you say about that cast?? And when they add to it, they add so wisely. I'm looking at you Adam Scott.

Stamp of Approval: Spring

2011-03-30T18:36:00.006-05:00

Oh my gosh, just realized I am coming dangerously close to ending March without a blog post! That would just not do. So what the hell have I been up to this whole, long month??

My plans to get all up on the internet during Spring Break, with photo editing and catching up on blogs, etc., were a bit derailed with a freelance project. But that = money so hey, I'm not complaining. And gosh, the weather was just so nice that week too. Mom came up the latter part of the week and we went to the 'retum to see the Dallas Blooms festival in all its glory. And, apparently, so did all of Dallas. It was so pretty though. Somehow last year I missed the cherry blossoms, but not this year.

So fluffy and white! Don't let those crowds keep you away, folks. Go down and park at Gaston and Garland and ride the bus like the cool kids do.

What else... the Kenya photo editing continues at its lovely snail's pace.

This is my new computer wallpaper. I know I know, it sucks that I'm so slow posting them, and it kinda makes the reveal super anticlimactic. But I rather enjoy the editing process, I find. And I'm getting to relive every inch of the trip, bit by bit. It's like my version of making a scrapbook.

Also in March, I became obsessed with this show.

Okay, that's a publicity photo, all in character and official and stuff.

Oooh, that's better. I love these three! As a dear friend wrote, "The 3 leads are great, esp. Russell Tovey's ears." And yeah, there's a US version of Being Human, but of course I've sworn loyalty to the UK version (and the Brit jonesing continues). Get on over to BBC America and set those DVRs. Or better yet, start from the beginning on DVD. It has the Amanda Stamp of Approval (TM).

Speaking of my Stamp of Approval, March also saw me start listening to the new Lykke Li album, which includes this awesome song.

What's going on in that video? It's not very spring-like with all that snow. And of course she can't catch him in those shoes, what was she thinking? Good grief. But on a warm day, with the sunroof open and blasting from the speakers... trust me, it works.

Okay, I think that's just about all the fun the month of March can handle. Mmmmokay, maybe a little more.

There you go. Happy spring, y'all!

The fashion report: Kenya

2011-02-19T17:41:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone! The fall 2011 collections have been showing in New York this past week, and I know, like me, you've been pouring over the photos to see what hot clothes and trends are hitting the runways. Or.. not...? Yeah, that's probably just me. I love fashion week. Being far away from it and just pouring over the photos on the NYTimes Fashion pages and imagining what I'd buy if I had a lot of money and fabulous places to wear said clothes.

I owe my love for fashion week to watching eight seasons of Project Runway. And everything I know about couture, I learned from Rachel Zoe and her reality show, my greatest guilty pleasure. So when I stumbled upon this dress from the Thakoon collection last week, it was like (as Rachel would say), "I die."

Gee, besides being cute, that fabric looks super familiar. According to the New York Times, Thakoon Panichgul called this plaid “Masai plaid.” As in the Masai of Kenya. Oh yeah.

Here is my Masai blanket (one of two) that I brought back from my trip to Kenya.

And here is the Thakoon show. Yep.

The Masai really do wear and use these blankets. They come in lots of different colors, but predominately plaids or stripes, and in shades of red, orange, blue and black. In the photo are our guides from the safari, Ratik and James, in theirs. You also find them in stacks at the tourist market for sale relatively inexpensively, so they're a popular souvenir. Or, you know, you can buy the Thakoon version for a touch more money. Anyone want to craft me a dress?

Back in the saddle

2011-01-08T20:48:00.005-06:00

It does fry my brain a bit that I just returned from Kenya a little over a week ago. In fact, a week and one day. It seems like ages. I returned directly into the thick of the busiest time of year in my job. I knew this.. and expected it. Doesn't make it any easier, though. I am beaten and tired, head hurts, back aches, etc. And the fun continues on Monday.

To console myself, I just placed the most awesome online order ever. A good friend gave me a gift card to Barnes and Noble for my birthday, and I've been scheming over what to treat myself to for months. The items are as follows:

Um, I'm not sure where I start with this one. Like, omg sooo good, and stuff. I watched the three episodes that made up 'Season 1' of the new BBC adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes stories back when they aired here in the US - in late October and early November - and I'm still reeling. They brought the famous detective into modern times, and hit it with a dose of fantastic casting, like dear Martin Freeman (aka Tim from the UK's The Office) as Dr. Watson. Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock is amazeballs. And oh yeah, the best casting ever for the character that arrives at the end of the third and final episode. I won't spoil it.

Of note, the Sherlock obsession dovetailed nicely with my whole recent psycho obsession with British television. I'm so very fortunate to live in Dallas because our PBS station is so Brit TV friendly, they even have a blog devoted to it called Tellyspotting. Heart. The last episode of Life On Mars (the original UK version) just (re)aired this week and it was so so good. And tomorrow, we finally get to see Downton Abbey. Swell!

But back to my shopping.

When Penguin came out with this series of hardcover classics designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith, I swooned over all of them. To have a shelf filled with that set, they'd be such a treat to look at and to read (I'm ashamed at how few I actually have read). But a whole shelf is a bit costly, so I decided that eventually I'd get my hot little hands on my favorite book in this lovely edition, if nothing else. Thus, Wuthering Heights. Isn't it pretty? Coralie is the bomb.

And lastly...

I'm super embarrassed that I haven't picked up Alicia's newest book yet. I would try and find it in the book shops now and then but never had any luck, so I'm left to ordering it. I don't embroider but I've come so near to teaching myself that I've bought all the supplies, so surely it's not too far-fetched a prospect! And besides, I still love Alicia the mostest and I know what a deeply personal subject embroidery is for her, so I can't wait to pour over the pretty pictures and her warm and familiar words. And with luck, the needle and thread will come soon after.

Goodness, what a haul. I do hope the package will arrive at my workplace during one of those moments when I'm on the verge of tears with stress and fatigue, and instantly make my day. One must plan ahead for these things.

Also, yes indeed, there ARE photos of Africa. Alas, I do not know when I'll have them all uploaded. But it was beautiful, and I do wish I was still there, drinking a Stoney Tangawizi and enjoying the lovely sunny days and cool nights. I felt calm and happy there, and far away from all that is my life, and I think that's the best that anyone can ever hope for in a vacation, no?

Dreaming of sugar plums

2010-12-08T10:15:00.005-06:00

On a day when I could hardly bear to drag myself from bed (so much so that I slept right through my alarms), these images are doubly painful to look at. I'd love to climb back into bed right about now, but even more so, I'd love to have a cuddle with either one of these lovely gentlemen.

Dear Rufus, tucked in his bed..

..and sweetly slumbering Daniel.

Both images from Tim Hailand's 'One Day in the Life Of' project. Daniel Radcliffe's book is already available, and Rufus Wainwright's is in pre-order.

Just a little treat for your Wednesday, sweeties. I better get back to workin' (and packin')!

Round two

2010-12-01T16:11:00.004-06:00

This post is long overdue. And it's not just because I'm blogging so little these days.

It has been well over a year since I promised to return someday with more photos of the golden girls lining the hallways of my workplace: a very old, all-girls, private high school. There are so many stories there, I can only theorize on a handful. As always, hit my Flickr to see more photos from this batch..

In the years 1910 and 1911, a bow fad seems to have overtaken the school. And a sort of "wings" fad with the hair. A predecessor to Farrah? Or Princess Leia? Either way, they rocked horizontal hairdos before such things were cool.

Speaking of cool, these girls from the class of 1911 would like you to know that they are infinitely cooler than you. See how their heads are tilted together? They were obviously fast friends. I can picture them sneaking ciggies after school when out of sight from the nuns.

I suspect poor Kenneth's mum and dad were hoping for a boy. This member of the class of 1913 didn't let it faze her though. She looks like a fun, carefree kind of gal. What do you think her nickname was? Kenny? Kay? Netty? I wish we could ask her.

Before there was Romy and Michele, there was Romie and Grace. Do you think they crashed their class of 1916 high school reunion too? That would have been quite the scene.

The girls from the class of 1923 just had a horrible time committing to bangs. And poor Gracie looks like she's channeling the bride of Frankenstein just there. Dearest girls, do put down your combs. Haven't you heard? The bob is sweeping the nation (Helen has the right idea).

I can't believe I leave for Kenya in less than two weeks. So much to do! I believe it's a fair trade, giving up my usual beloved holiday traditions of putting up decorations, watching sappy movies, and baking pies and snack mixes, to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa. I plan to squeeze in all the holiday cheer I can before next Saturday, though. Then I'm expecting you to make up the difference. Happy Holidays from me and Peggy Lee!

Bears and boys. And yarn.

2010-11-13T16:32:00.004-06:00

In this week's edition of When I Have Lots of Money and a House to Decorate: That's right kids, it's polar bear wallpaper.

Shut the front door. I know, right? It's so perfect for me. I die.

Fall is hitting a nice, easy pace for me. Finally. I love this season and the progression of holidays. The football on the tele. The flash of a red tree against a gray sky. The smell of my house after I've been baking or cooking. The planning of your Christmas list. Sure there's a lot to get stressed about, but that would take all the fun out of it. So why do it?

I've been trying to find more time in my schedule to look at other people's blogs (perhaps should be spending more time updating my own, but oh well). And cataloging things I like on my pinterest (you're on there, right? it's such fun). And yes, still crocheting and knitting. Thank goodness for that.

This was my first commission project (thanks E)! Made for E's brother-in-law. E's husband liked the scarf so much (it was made for his brother), that I've been asked to make another one for his brother's partner. Awesome! I really hope they like them. It's hard to make scarves for people in Houston - too toasty down there. But I used this Rowan yarn called Summer Tweed, made with silk and cotton. I think it's the perfect weight and so yummy.

Oooh, this Auburn and Georgia game is quite the entertainment. And um, does anyone else have a crush on the Allstate Mayhem guy? aka Dennis from 30 Rock? aka Dean Winters? Anyone?

Okay, less hot there. But how can you not love Liz and Dennis?

That's better, right? I know, he's been in other shows too. I should investigate.

Football Saturday

2010-10-30T15:01:00.005-05:00

I could do without this view out my kitchen window today. What the eff!?

About to head downstairs and make some sausage balls for E & M's Halloween party. The Rachel Berry wig is making one more appearance this year before I stash its hairy, itchy, shedding self in a closet. I look so much better as a light brown/blonde. This experience has made that extremely clear to me.

Then tomorrow to the Arboretum to watch the parade of adorb kiddie costumes. Then starts the countdown to Thanksgiving at mom's new place just outside Austin. Hooray! By then, the renovations should be all done and the furniture delivered. And we'll get to enjoy our first Thanksgiving together in a loooong time.

Her patio looks out over a putting green. Which means it's nice and quiet and beautiful, but also means you get the occasional surprises. Let's hope we don't end up with a golf ball in our cranberry sauce.

Just because you're 30 doesn't mean you have to grow up

2010-10-03T16:26:00.007-05:00

I did it! I'm 30! I gathered with friends at a bar on Friday night to drink a toast to the decade that lies ahead. I decided I wanted a Fluffernutter birthday cake.

That's mom lighting the candles. Peanut butter and Marshmallow Fluff (which Super Target didn't have, so Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme subbed instead) on Mrs. Baird's bread. Cut into triangles and stacked. Topped with pink icing. It was my homage to Amy Sedaris. I feel like she would have approved.

Have you ever had a Fluffernutter? They're amazingly delicious. I had my first one at Peanut Butter and Co. in Greenwich Village in New York City and have had them lurking in a corner of my brain ever since. But when do you have an excuse to make something so indulgent and obviously lacking in nutritional value? They're right up there with cookies and ice cream. And cake. How appropriate.

So far 30 feels exactly the same as 29. Hopefully 31 will feel that way too. Also, did you know that Julie Andrews turned 75 on Friday? She looks fabulous.

Final Great Achievement of my 20s

2010-09-25T14:48:00.003-05:00

I made socks!

I took a sock class in May at the Shabby Sheep with my friend Katie, because I'd always wanted to learn how to make socks, and we both thought this would be a great way to learn more knitting skills and gain a bit of confidence with trying more complicated projects.

I'm happy to report I didn't get "second sock syndrome," as they call it. I actually completed my pair. They're a little different because you're supposed to start them in exactly the same spot in the 'pattern' of the yarn so they'll stripe the same, but I was too lazy for that. And I think they look awesome anyway.

Gotta take a sock break but I think my goal for next year is to make another pair. One pair per year, I say. Of note, Katie has finished her class pair, a second pair, and is starting a third. Way to show me up.

Otherwise am busy getting the apartment in order for my visitors next weekend. It's nice to have friends who will travel for your birthday. XO, gals.

Missing you

2010-09-21T13:30:00.003-05:00

Hey there, bloggy town. I've been missing you. You been missing me?

From Geninne's Art Blog, which might be the prettiest blog ever. Illustration by the super amazing Geninne. Hopefully it'll make it onto her Etsy.

I just ate two big cookies with my lunch. I should not have done that.

In season

2010-08-23T21:59:00.005-05:00

August in Texas can be a beat down. A major b.e.a.t. d.o.w.n. Like ohmygosh can it get any hotter? Will it ever cool off again? Remember those beautiful snowy days? How can one place have such extreme seasons? (And hardly anything in between, mind you.)

(Granted, this was taken on the blacktop in the parking lot at my workplace at the hottest point of the day. The official high today was only 107. So.. yeah.)

So it seems, it's understandable that every year at about this time I start going crazy for the farmers market. Because if you can't beat the heat, you may as well enjoy the fruits of its labor.

And just like last year, I've taken to stalking the Canton peach stand at the Dallas Farmers Market. Also into my bag over the last few weeks has gone some tomatoes (okay, a lot of tomatoes), okra, blueberries, fresh corn, and cream peas - also known as lady peas (gonna cook those tomorrow). But most of all, lots and lots of peaches. I go crazy for them. Much the same way I used to go crazy for nectarines when I was younger. But you really can't find locally grown nectarines around here, and grocery store produce tastes like crap once you taste these peaches. So here we are. At the peach stand on Saturday morning. Like clockwork.

Posted my recipe for the cobbler last year. And this past weekend I made peach ice cream. I think the next batch of peaches I bring home will go into the freezer so I can relive the peach joy on a colder day.

I'll look at these pictures and remember days like these, and I'm telling you, I'll probably long for them. Days when I could hear the cicadas humming outside. When little dresses and flip flops and tank tops were the uniform of choice. You think? Hrm.. Maybe.

P.S. That's my view while I'm washing the dishes at the new place. Nice huh?

Enjoy some Sam Cooke, y'all.

Hey baby

2010-08-07T23:31:00.006-05:00

I've been meaning to do this one for a while. Just how many small tots are running around in my life these days? A LOT. Most of which, I have had a chance to visit with this summer. One even came to visit me. Aren't I lucky!

I don't have any kids, not sure if I ever will, but with all these smiling faces in my life, I get my fixes on a regular basis. And then get to come home to a nice, quiet house. Yeah, it's the best of both worlds.

Jillian. Big sister. Happy-go-lucky gal pal. Niece.

Grant. Little brother. Strong arm. Sweet giggle. Nephew.

Suzy. World traveler. Great wit and loads of charm. Niece.

James. Bearer of the name. Defier of the odds. Cousin.

Anna. Life of the party. Girly girl. Sparkly. Friend.

William. Little brother. Funny boy. Easy to please. Friend.

Allie. Big sister. Knows what she wants. And how to get it. Friend.

Dominic. First born. Loves ceiling fans. Aggie. Friend.

So, you get my drift. Many thanks to my friends and relations for taking it upon themselves to grow the population of the world. These are some very good melons.

And before I go, you are listening to the new Arcade Fire album, aren't you? Cos if not, you better get on that.

Dear readers,

2010-07-24T17:03:00.004-05:00

Ahhh! Hay you guys, what's happening? It's amazing how summer flies by you, isn't it? Despite the heat and everlasting long days, it still seems to go much too fast for my taste.

Since we last chatted, I packed up and moved into a new apartment. Also packed up my office, moved for a two week spell, then moved back, but into a different office. So. That sucked. Like, that's a lot of packing, no? Naturally I haven't finished unpacking my house or my office cos it's like, who wants to deal with that, after all that packing?

Also have been traveling here and there. To Houston a couple times to see friends and family, and all the way to Los Angeles to see my friend Susan. W00t.

Next will be the other LA, Louisiana, to see family. Then hopefully I'll settle down for a bit. And maybe blog with a tad more regularity. Send me gifts and I will consider.

XO,
AT

A swap

2010-06-15T22:17:00.005-05:00

First off, I wanted to thank everyone for their kind comments, on the blog, on Flickr, via email, etc. I expected it would be difficult, and the whole thing has lived up to those expectations. Time heals I suppose. But gosh, it ain't happening in a hurry.

So what do I do when times are tough? Craft. Craft away, kids. I just packed up my friendship bracelet for Amy's bracelet swap. She read my mind, she did. I'd just picked out some thread colors at my local craft store because I was itching to make one. I was planning to blog about my love affair with these signs of those summer camp days of yore. (You know how I love camp.)

Next thing I knew, friendship bracelets were everywhere, and Amy had this splendid idea to swap them with new friends. I can't wait to see the one my secret friend made for me!

Also on the crafting front, check out my couch, in my soon-to-be-no-longer living room. There's a new addition there! Long ago (perhaps you remember), I was going on about how I wanted to take this awesome horse sweater I bought in Estonia and turn it into a pillow. I also recognized my skills in this area were pretty darn lacking, and I really didn't want to ruin it in a failed pillow-making attempt.

Meanwhile I'd started reading Alli's lovely blog One Pearl Button and was oohing and aahing over her astounding transformational skills when it came to old thrifted sweaters. So we worked out a deal, so-to-speak. A crafty blog swap. Except that I was making a specific request of her (turn my sweater into a pillow!) and she suggested I just surprise her in return( ... !).

I'd been admiring the Granny Square Slippers pattern on the Purl Bee for some time (oh I just love the Bee), and since I'd made myself a different pair of crocheted slippers just last fall, I decided this would be a great opportunity to try out this pattern and create a fun swap present for Alli. Ta daa!

Don't worry Alli, I washed 'em before I sent them! You can't help but try them on. I gathered up some other goodies for her and put them all in the mail. (Of note, it's so easy to shop for someone when they have a blog!) And in return I got a super-spiffy pillow to add to my sofa.

Wow, thanks Alli! I love love love it.

Alright, who's next?

My boy

2010-06-06T16:38:00.003-05:00

Ah, what do I say. My cat passed away June 3, 2010. I've had him for 17 and a half years. More than half my own life. I'm devastated but muddling through. It was time.

I was 12 when we brought CJ home. A tiny furry kitten from the Humane Society in Fort Worth. One of our earlier memories of him was that we were out in the backyard and decided to let him roam around out there. He was still quite small. He found a hole in the fence and immediately went into the neighbor's yard and came face to face with Acey, our neighbor's giant chow. It was a trip. I was screaming, Acey was barking, and my mom was attempting to scale the fence. The neighbors (very nice people) came out and handed the little kitten back over to us. He was shaken, but alright. Scared the pee right out of him. He was always a brave boy.

I left for college and he stayed with mom for those four years, then as soon as I got my first place in Austin after college, I brought him down to stay with me. He then journeyed with me to Brooklyn, Queens, back to Austin, and then to Dallas. He was huge and awesome. But as he got older, he got smaller and smaller. And sicker. And sweeter, I dare say. A total baby. We did a lot of snuggling this last year or so. I knew my days with him were numbered, and perhaps, so did he.

I did have to make the decision to put him to sleep, but it was time. I hated making that call. But when you know, you know. And he knew. Thankfully my mom was already planning to come visit, so she's been here with me.

I'm moving too. Wow. I'm moving! All this change is throwing me for a loop. I'm not moving far - just down the street - but it's a much better setup for me. It'll be weird settling into a new place without him. It'll be hard, but I'll manage. I think by the end of the summer, things will be much better all around, but these days, I feel quite heavy, quite sad. But I'll get by.

And now, some of his greatest hits..

In 1998, seeing me off to prom.

In 2004, Brooklyn.

In 2007, Astoria. Yay teeth!!

In 2008, looking fabulous. Still in Astoria (but not for long).

In 2009, Dallas. Miss you boy, xoxo.

The Krewe

2010-05-12T18:41:00.004-05:00

So as a perpetual apartment/rental dweller, and a wannabe green thumb, I've come to love my little cadre of potted plants, and my annual trip to the garden store to supplement them. I love gardening, but not so much that I bite off more than I can chew (hence the small gathering here). I'm realistic about what I can handle on my own, and then get the rest of my fix hanging out at the Arboretum.

Here is the 2010 Krewe of Potted Plants:

From left to right, starting with the back row..

-Oh my gosh, YES, that's my hydrangea! It's a beast! I'm so beyond pleased. Especially considering a few months ago I wasn't sure if it was dead or not.

It's now two years old - like many of these pictured, I brought it up from Austin. Someday I have dreams to plant it in the ground, but for now, its home is its pot. I plan to give it a good trim this next winter to keep it from getting too big. It has grown more this spring than it has in all the time I've had it. And the most blooms ever! Oh my gosh, so exciting.

-Next door to the hydrangea, my rosemary. Along with the hydrangea, the only plant that stayed out all winter (except for those 2 or 3 days when the temperature range was 13 to 18 degrees). I brought it up from Austin and am just letting it do its thing. It smells good but I don't use the herb often enough I think. I need to work on that.

-Another Austin hanger-oner, my old kalanchoe. Like rosemary, I feel like kalanchoes are sorta impossible to kill. I've seen some seriously neglected ones around school that people have gotten as gifts, and myself or Rose, the 80-year-old receptionist, will tend to them for a week or so and they're thriving once again. I need to trim mine down and get it into a new pot. When it blooms, it's orangey-yellow.

-Front row left, another one from my Austin patio. I moved into that apartment and found this heart-leaf philodendron (aka 'the ivy') in the world's tiniest pot, root-bound something awful. I'm never one to toss a plant that is still showing signs of life so I put it in a new pot and let it be. And like any ivy, it sprung to life. When it got cold enough this past December, I brought it upstairs and found I had to pull its tendrils out of the earth when I picked it up. They'd traveled to the edge of the patio and started digging down. This one's a fighter.

-I didn't get a petunia last year and I sorta regretted it. They're so easy to care for and bright and cheery. A nice little burst of color. I love the stripes on this one!

-I picked up the two basil plants on the right from Redenta's recently. I usually only have one basil and it's never enough to make a good-sized batch of pesto at any point during the summer. Also I eat basil on/with/mixed into just about everything during the summer months. So I'm sure I'll put them to good use.

So that's the Krewe! And here's the Krewe from two years ago in Austin (minus the hydrangea). The rosemary and kalanchoe are there. I miss that balcony. I'm looking for a new place and have high hopes for a better outdoor space setup than I have now. Currently, when I'm in my apartment, I can't even see my plants. Which is sad.

CJ loves warm weather. Just waits on it so patiently. And then the windows are open and.. hooray! Soak it up, honey. Soon we'll be in A/C hibernation. (Who am I kidding, we're already there.)

My sartorial muse has a blog

2010-04-30T23:37:00.007-05:00

This story in today's New York Times led me to discover Mrs.O, my new favorite blog. Finally, a place for me to obsess freely over Michelle Obama's wardrobe. I might be behind the curve on this one--apparently the blog has been around for a while. But who cares, I loves it!

AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo

In a Tracy Reese dress in Mexico. Note the red flats. Love.

AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Visiting the Pentagon recently. No idea of the designer on this dress but I WANT TO STEAL IT.

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

In a L'Wren Scott dress. Holy geeze, I want to steal that one too.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Going more formal in a Peter Soronen dress. Gasp.

This is making me want to go shopping! I got a little bit of the urge out in Target the other day, but I only left with a couple of knit tops. Of note, I now own three Mossimo V-neck pocket tees. Lots of colors, good fit, and only 6 bucks--sign me up. These will be integral players in the summer 2010 wardrobe.

And one last thing. You still aren't watching Chuck? Dang people, why not? Us poor, desperate fans are now resorting to flash mob tactics.

How can you not love those two? No verdict about next year from NBC just yet, which is straight-up poop. That should have been a no-brainer. But NBC doesn't have a good track record with those.

Spring is for nerds

2010-04-24T21:00:00.005-05:00

I've been having a bit of a fling. With spring. While fall is my favorite season, I must admit that spring does have its fine qualities. And though this particular spring has been busier than most, I won't hold that against it.

Up at school, the girls are all abuzz about graduation...

And at home, I've been all abuzz about new furniture. That's right, the Hoosier is here!

Isn't it lovely?

Sigh. I'm such a sucker for hardware. I bought it from a woman on Craigslist who owned it for years and years and loved it dearly. I can't wait to give it an equally long run in my home!

I've also been all abuzz over MI-5 (aka Spooks for any Brits reading). Can I take a moment to geek out over that? I've been watching the 6th season on KERA. I must admit, I initially started watching just for Rupert Penry-Jones, but now I'm just straight hooked. Every episode, I'm on the edge of my seat. Here's a clippy-clip from an earlier season. Featuring Mr. Penry-Jones of course.

I'll probably end up renting them all eventually. Maybe over the summer..

So yeah, spring. It has a few things going for it. Flowers and such. Babies and sunshine. Patio drinking. Enjoy it while you can. It'll be 100 degrees before we know it.

And one more quick plug for another sign of spring. The Etsy Dallas Spring Bash! It's next Saturday, May 1. Be there or be square, nerds!

Flower power

2010-04-03T22:58:00.004-05:00

Just spent a whole lot of the last couple of days volunteering at the Arboretum. I love spending time there. Especially, you know, when you get to smell wisteria all day. And look at these.

Yay tulips! Happy Easter, y'all. (chocolate here I come)

Babies and tunes

2010-03-31T09:26:00.004-05:00

Oh my GOSH. How are you bloggy-blog? I've missed you. I'm having some rare, stellar moment at work when things aren't piled upon my desk, and though it makes me suspicious, I just had to take the opportunity to say hi.

I wish I had more interesting things to share. Mostly I just mine about looking for new music. Here's the latest song (and band) that's on repeat in the ol' noggin.

It's a band called Local Natives and the song is "Airplanes." I might go see 'em when they come through town in April.

Hrm, what else. Crocheting and knitting as usual. I've completed two of my three scheduled spring baby blankets (for my three spring babies). Here's the first who came along, and his accompanying blanket. His name is Grant and he's my nephew!

Blanket suits him I think. Isn't he handsome? In a cute infant sorta way? Baby number two may come along today or tomorrow - mom is at the hospital as I type! Wish I could be there. And the last will be along in about a month. Woo!

I've got other projects completed and in-the-works, but you know me and the photo editing. I'm not even going to talk about the state of my DVR. But at this stage in life, I'm not one to consider a busy life anything but a blessing. Ya know?

Gave up sweets for Lent again. Always a good idea, though I had a few moments of weakness which I may or may not have succumb to. But now that I get to indulge guilt-free come Sunday, I think I need to make a cobbler with that last bag of peaches in the freezer. Also went and saw a lady about a Hoosier yesterday (you remember me and that obsession, right?). It's a craigslist find, and I'm still debating the decision. I will say that it would be much easier if I had a man and a truck at my disposal. But then again, wouldn't everything?

Lil' bit o happy.

2010-03-18T13:34:00.004-05:00

First haircut of spring + first spring break in 8 years (well deserved, too) + pretty pretty outside spring + new She & Him streaming on NPR = lil' bit o happy.

More to say, but for now, I'm off to go play.

Phew.

2010-02-27T13:12:00.003-06:00

For a few days there we thought it was something serious but then turns out it wasn't or rather it was but it wasn't progressing as quick as we thought so really he's okay (all things considered) but I got a little taste of how hard it's going to be and for now he's curled in a ball taking a nap on the couch so I'm going to go join him.

The only reason

2010-02-17T22:37:00.003-06:00

The only reason I haven't chopped all my hair off yet is because it looks better peeking out from under a hand-knit beanie.

Soon it'll be too warm to wear them. And then.. off it comes! These days, it starts to hit my shoulders and I start to freak.

But seriously, I'm super pumped about my hat.

Snow Day

2010-02-11T16:49:00.004-06:00

Dallas can has one too.

I walked over to Swiss Avenue, to photograph it in all its old, posh, snow-covered loveliness.

Granted, this amount of snow is pretty unheard of in this part of Texas. But I don't get quite so crazy about it after those five years in New York. I am, however, super excited for the kids. I grew up around here, so I know. This is pretty freakin' awesome.

Working at a school means snow days come quickly. I got the alert at 6 am. I'd gone to bed convinced there'd be no issues. I hadn't even bothered to bring home the numbers of the four subs I had coming in today. So when I got that call, there was quite a bit of confusion.

It is a bit hard to believe that it's still coming down. They cancelled the volunteer appreciation dinner at the Arboretum tonight, which is a heart breaker. I was so excited about going. But hot cocoa, Parks & Rec, The Office, and 30 Rock sound pretty nice too.

Artsy fartsy / fancy schmancy

2010-01-28T18:56:00.007-06:00

When all you do these days is sit at your desk and work work work, if you're me, you take the opportunity to listen to lots of music. I'm a big fan of music while I work. That's sorta how I discovered the Baltimore band Beach House. Their new album Teen Dream is ever so good. It was just released this past Tuesday.

Not really a video here, just a weird picture of the two Beach House kids, but give it a listen.

In other news, winter's coming back around for an encore. I'm not really a fan, but one must get a proper dose so you have things to think about when it's 100 degrees during those steamy Texas summers.

Also of note, I saw August: Osage County this past weekend at the Winspear (that's it above) and it was amazing. The production seems to be touring about, so if they come to your town, try and catch it. And speaking of the Winspear, here are a couple more pictures of the Dallas Arts District that I took this past fall at the open house celebration for the Winspear and the Wyly. Yes, Dallas has Arts!

I have yet to see the crazy chandelier come out of the ceiling, despite visiting twice. Someday!

There are so many great plays and musicals coming through town that it's hard to pick out what your budget will allow. My friend and I very much want to see Wicked and Spring Awakening, which are both coming through this year. It's not New York, but I'm so glad I get to see cool stuff every now and again. Having some fancy-schmancy venues helps.

The busy season

2010-01-20T21:34:00.005-06:00

Oh my gosh, no way you guys. Things have been so crazy 'round here! Because I haven't been blogging, here's what you may have missed:

-I decided to join a gym, but then couldn't decide which gym to join. Do I go with the cheap, giant fanciness that's farther from home, or the slightly more expensive, small basics that's closer?

-NBC took a shat on Conan O'Brien and didn't say they were sorry. I took it personally.

-My DVR deleted a bazillion hours of stuff I had every intention of watching cos, well, I wasn't watching it. So it overflowed. It was messy.

-Speaking of TV, I discovered that even though I have an old, non-fancy TV, I can watch the HD channels on cable and see the entire picture (albeit, a bit small and letter-boxed). Which is awesome, because now I can see everyone's faces, and that city the weather man is referring to when he points to the edge of the screen.

-I started my "busy season" in my "new" job which isn't really new but still feels new since this is my first "busy season." From what I can tell so far, the "busy season" lasts from January until May. Ouch.

-I made plans to go see Eddie Izzard tomorrow! It's on!! Do you have a flag?

-I joined a new book club and co-hosted my first book club gathering which involved cooking a meal for 10 people, which I'd never done before. Note to self: double the risotto recipe next time.

-College football season ended. And I got sad.

-But on the up-side, Chuck returned! YEAH!!

-I cleaned up my desk and hung some pictures on the walls. And now all I can do is think about moving.

-I started the first of three baby blankets for the three babies coming this spring. Because just about everyone I know is pregnant or just had a baby. Which is awesome because baby showers are SO MUCH FUN. (Do you remember that episode of Sex and the City? My 30th birthday party is totally going to be an I Don't Have A Baby Shower!)

-Winter came to, and then left, north Texas. It's in the 60s now. And I am reminded why the weather here is so vastly superior to the weather in New York.

-I postponed my spring trip to Kenya until December. See above note re "busy season."

-I totally slacked off on the whole 'updating the blog' thing. That's a bummer.

Other than all that, I'm still single and the cat's still here and that's just about all I have to say about that.

P.S. - Remember this great deliberation? Best. Purchase. Ever.

What's going on?

2009-12-30T13:16:00.002-06:00

Oh, not too much.

You?

Beget, begat, begot

2009-12-22T23:39:00.008-06:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my neighborhood? I wouldn't say my block, necessarily, as I live at the dodgy end of this particular street. But generally my East Dallas neighborhood is lovely. Specifically Lakewood. And all of its nooks and crannies. And distinct lack of McMansions and little boxes.

So one night, watching House Hunters begat an internet search that begat this article from the DMN last year. Which begat this renovation crush.

The folks that bought the Parks Estate were featured on House Hunters as a couple trying to decide between three different houses, of course. But per the article, it seems they were smitten on this 1922 house from the start. Can you blame them?

Well, it looked pretty bad when they found it, indeed. It had served as the East Dallas YMCA from 1957 until 1999, when the Y moved out and the house fell into disrepair. In 2007, Preservation Dallas took over and started seeking a buyer who could restore the home to its natural beauty.

The Parks Estate is only a little over a mile from my pad. I think I need to walk over there someday soon, just to see it. And what a pretty walk it would be, too.

Holy geeze, the kitchen is my favorite. We saw much more of it on the show. And the Batchelder tiles on the fireplaces. Oooh.

Built in 1922, Mr. Parks had moved out of his old home on Swiss Avenue into this, his new house, which today is just a few blocks away. But at the time, a few blocks distance meant you were just outside the city limits, and could build an estate on 22 sprawling acres. Ha! Bearing in mind we are only about 5 miles from downtown. Ah, such simple times back then.

Don't you just love old houses? Sigh. If you follow the link to that article, you'll find a few more photos and details on the house and its renovation. You know, if you're into that sorta thing.

I has a Labbit

2009-12-12T23:29:00.005-06:00

A hazard of Christmas shopping, when you haven't been in stores much lately, is that you might see things you like.

Meet my Labbit.

I found him in We Are 1976, a new shop just about a half mile or so from my apartment. I was in there this past week after work, looking for gifts, and the Labbit caught my eye. I brought him home under the guise of gifting him to a child, but yeah. I'm keeping him. I think he is swell.

Labbit comes in many variations as you can see on the Kidrobot site. Labbit also smokes, though I have discouraged this.

Labbit's tag instructs me to pet him daily so that he doesn't get lonely and run off to join the circus. So I'm going to go do that now. Then I gotta get to bed. I've got to be up early to go cheer on the runners in the White Rock Marathon tomorrow!

Polar Bear Report

2009-12-03T14:52:00.004-06:00

What the eff?! So cute. Holy geeze.

polar bear painting by LoucheLab on etsy

Just cos I've been spending a wee bit too much time on etsy lately. It's bound to happen. The polar bears, they find me. And then I share.

Picked one

2009-12-02T19:06:00.003-06:00

Thanks for the lovely suggestions everyone! The key suggestion, though, came from Meg, who directed me to Pandora, where I plugged in "White Christmas" by The Drifters (another all-time favorite), and in the mix it produced for me, I stumbled upon an album I'd tried to buy years ago only to discover it was out of print. Could not be had. Unless you had an old copy, of course.

I hadn't searched for it in ages, and so I logged onto Lala.com (my mp3 purchasing and downloading service of choice), and there it was. Turned out it was re-released only just this past October.

Holy crap, so worth the wait. Phil Spector's wall of sound meets Christmas. Go buy or download it now. iTunes has it too. XOXO

Hark!

2009-11-30T21:28:00.005-06:00

Gah! Is it really the Christmas season already? I know I was looking at tree skirt patterns like a month ago, but I swear this felt like it arrived at warp speed. It always does.

I haven't even looked at my Christmas decorations yet. Well, maybe a glance, but then quickly closed the closet door. But what I have managed to do is load all my Christmas music on my iPod. First things first. I simply adore Christmas music. Don't you?

Back in college, I started collecting Xmas CDs. Great, iconic albums and classics. Usually one album as a treat to myself every year. About five years ago, I put together Christmas mix albums for many of my friends and family and they were a hit. I still listen to all my music but haven't really expanded the collection much in recent years. That's where your suggestions will come in handy! But first, some of my favorites...

The first and the best is of course the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's a must for everyone. Especially the song "Skating." It makes one think of snowflakes and bustling about getting presents and twinkle lights and cheer.

Best. Christmas. Special. Ever. And Vince Guaraldi's music is just the perfect compliment.

Another great album is Bing Crosby's White Christmas (winner for best album cover, too). In particular, his version of "Jingle Bells" with the Andrews Sisters. Back in the late 90s, Gap did a genius ad with a remix of this song - I was never able to find the remix but of course I eventually found the original. I can't help but sing along every time I hear it! It's definitely a mix CD staple.

This album also has "Mele Kalikimaka," of National Lampoon fame. It's Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you.

Another fabulous addition is not technically a Christmas album. Only two thirds of it is, but it's worth it. Duke Ellington's Three Suites contains Ellington's take on the Nutcracker Suite.

"Sugar Rum Cherry" (his version of the Sugar Plum Fairy, of course) is the one track that most often makes it onto the various compilation albums out there - that's how I discovered it - but hearing the whole thing is such a treat.

Okay, the last one is decidedly unlike the others. Sufjan Stevens' Songs for Christmas is just so good. If you're a fan of Sufjan that is (and how can you not be). It's a box set so it costs a bit more than some of these others, but you'll be glad for the abundance once you get hooked. I think his version of "The Friendly Beasts" is just the loveliest Christmas song around.

Now it's your turn! What am I missing from my collection of classics? (Of note, I already have Christmas with the Rat Pack and Dean Martin's Making Spirits Bright.)

And now, I'm gonna leave you with my favorite Sufjan tune, and this ridiculously cute video.

Day tripper

2009-11-16T20:08:00.004-06:00

Oh goodness. Lookit me, such a slacker. Though not really, as having just come in from pilates, I'm feeling very much the hard worker rather than the lazy bum. At this time last week, I was hunting through leaves for my lost wallet (never found). Can anyone suggest a good place to purchase a quality wallet? I'd been using my last one (a Cole Haan) for probably 6 years. It still had many, many good years ahead of it--wasn't showing a bit of wear and tear. Ooof, that's a sad one, that loss.

Today (during my lunch break, of course) I was browsing around on the internet looking at Christmas cards and calendars. Normally I operate with a motley crew of gifted wall calendars, but this year I've got a list. I want all three and I'm close to buying them myself to ensure I get them all.

First for my desk at work, I'd like another ilee letterpress calendar. (Remember last year's? I've just loved it.)

It's another lovely one this year. She does such good work.

Next for the home office, this one of course. Oh the Charley Harper. I still don't have a print. Will the wall calendar scratch the itch? Oof, I guess time will tell. But wait. Yeah I still want the print.

Meanwhile, the calendar is a good bit cheaper. Somebody hook me up for reals. It's only $14.

And lastly, this one for the wall at work. I mean, I know we've been sucking hard lately (didn't I say it, everyone has their bad weeks?), but I still loves my old school. Gig 'em Ags.

And of course, my Moleskine. I pick one of these up every year.

If getting one of those fancy computer phones means my Moleskine planner becomes redundant, well then I don't want a fancy computer phone. Keep it away. I don't need it. Or the answer to that trivia question right this instant. Let's just sit and ponder for a while. Right? Don't you miss that? But I digress.

So add to the calendars, the new wallet, the new camera lens, and now I've got a hankering for a new radio for my bedroom (a long-standing passionate desire to own a Tivoli Model Two). But gosh, one must prioritize. I mean, I gotta buy gifts for other people now. You know, Santa Claus and ho-ho-ho, and mistletoe and presents to pretty girls. And all that stuff.

Do you have a favorite planner or calendar you buy every year? Or do you just wait to see what catches your eye? Sharing is caring.

Loving Bonnie

2009-11-04T18:39:00.004-06:00

Have I ever mentioned my girl crush on Faye Dunaway circa Bonnie and Clyde? I haven't? Well let's get on that.

The hair, the clothes, the smoldering stare. I wish I could pull off this look. Lord knows I've tried. I've even taken this exact picture with me to the salon before. But there's not really so much of a hair-do here as there is an attitude. And a hat. And some pretty ridiculous bone structure.

Again with the hats. And then there's the necklace. And the slip. And the cigarette. It's all just perfect. Swoon.

The violence was a big deal in 1967. But even today, watching the final scene.. goodness gracious. Oh yeah, and that one scene where he shoots the banker guy hanging on the car. I mean really, the whole thing is pretty darn gory. Watch this one after the kiddies have gone to bed.

I've read they're remaking it with some young, fresh ingenue, but let's face it, she'll never be able to replace Faye. And why would you even want to try? The movie is still amazing, and attempting to get that look and that attitude just right.. there's just no way you'll ever get there. Plus don't even get me started on Warren Beatty. Shucks.

Be true to your school

2009-10-26T21:37:00.004-05:00

First the story finally came out and it was like, Ahhh, gut punch. Did you need to have been there to read it and cry? If you weren't there, did you still read it and cry? I cried, but I'm a cry-baby (and I was there) so..

There's so much water under that bridge, but I just love Pam and loved working with her. And I think she did so right by the subject matter. So yeah, there's that.

Then there's this. Which I won't say much about because I have some friendships I'd like to maintain and everyone has bad weeks (like us last week) so what goes around comes around and whatnot but still...

..sometimes my school does me so proud. And that's all I have to say about that.

Dear Amanda,

2009-10-20T20:21:00.007-05:00

Remember how during the summer, you were able to just spritz a little styling spray in me, scrunch, and let me air dry? And all day you'd look sorta beachy and carefree and cute? Well I don't know if it's the change in weather or your new haircut or what, but it just ain't working anymore. When you wake up late and attempt the air dry hairdo, you look like a hobo. Please stop.

Sincerely,
Your hair

Bummer. I guess summer really is over when I can no longer pull off the carefree summer girl hairdo. Now what?

New York, baby. New York.

Photo by Joseph O. Holmes, spotted on 20x200. I'm so tempted to buy a print. Isn't it gorgeous?

Oh fair city! I'm off to see it in just a couple days. And also eat it. Like nobody's business. Hello Shake Shack, hello Il Bambino, hello (original) Original Ray's, hello delicious coffee and confections, oh my. Hello H&M, hello P.S. 1, hello smelly subway, I missed you! Whatever shall I wear (elastic waistband perhaps)?? Whatever shall I pack? Apparently, a heat styling tool is in order. Yeesh.

Meanwhile, I am working frantically to attach some fringe to a scarf for a special someone who's traveling up to see me via bus from Philly while I'm in the big city. I mean, that's devotion.

16 going on 17

2009-10-13T19:36:00.004-05:00

Thursday is CJ's 17th birthday! Can you believe it?

What to get the cat that has everything? He would like cans of tuna or packs of Greenies cat treats. Monetary gifts are also welcome and accepted.

How are we going to celebrate, CJ? Not every cat gets a 17th birthday. That's quite a feat. Just think, one more year and you can vote. Oh my gosh, that's rad.

Sorry to just throw up some pictures of my kitteh, but work/life is keeping me busy these days. Plus it's football season... and the State Fair... and it's the fall - my favorite season. The Arboretum is FULL of pumpkins. And I'm in planning mode for my annual NYC trip in just over a week. I can't wait! Oh yeah, and my meatloaf's done. Laytah.

Better watch out

2009-10-05T18:24:00.003-05:00

I had another one of my utterly insane mornings today, so when afternoon rolled around, I got out to get some air. Air being, hanging out in Joann's. I had to pick up some size 8 DPNs, but then the magazine rack called to me as always. (Speaking of magazines, OMG Gourmet! Every time a great one like that goes down, my heart dies a little. Sigh.)

The November/December Crochet Today was out. I've never bought this mag in the past (I lean Interweave), but goodness, how cute is this stuff? And you know how much I love the Christmas. I know it's early, but we knitters and crocheters need to start planning now. The holidays will be here before you know it (if you're lucky).

I die. Honestly are these stockings not the cutest? I'm gonna make 'em, I am. Maybe not before Christmas, but they're on the list. It's gonna happen.

A little ripple blanket for your tree! Whee! Truth be told, I have a tree skirt I adore already, but this'll be a good pattern to have for when I someday move into a home with enough room for two trees. And one of them will be one of those antique silver ones. Oh it'll happen. All I need is a dining room. Or a study. Right now, I ain't working with much.

I want to start crocheting more ornaments. They make good gifts and will help me improve my amigurumi skillz. Kyuuto!

In these days of dying mags, kudos to Crochet Today for having me at hello with this issue. I love the styling of this cover and the retro theme. It's all so very BL, as we used to say. (Right Amy?) That's another one that bit the dust. Sigh. Hang on, you crazy magazine kids!

Late summer color

2009-10-01T18:06:00.004-05:00

I feel like I've totally missed the window on posting about peach cobbler since it's October for crying out loud. But if you're a good girl like me and froze you some, you can still make this with fresh(ish) peaches. Or you can make the recipe with frozen peaches from the store, too. I've done that and it's very nearly just as tasty.

So yeah, these are the peaches I was obsessed with from the Farmer's Market. Did I mention those? No, that was the okra, these are the peaches. This was the real reason I was there three weekends in a row. I hit the same booth every time. If I remember correctly, the sign says they were grown in Canton. They were a bit small (always a good sign I think) and were sweet as sugar and I was like a crack addict coming back for more. Yum.

My mom made peach cobbler a lot when I was growing up. And it was served with a blop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla on top. Always, always. Oh yum. Usually I'm all for reinventing recipes from scratch, a la banana pudding, but there are some things you don't mess with. Banana nut bread is one of them. And peach cobbler is another. So I make it, as my mother did, with Bisquick. Don't knock it.

Take about four cups of sliced peaches. I peel the skins off too. Toss them in a pot with a wee bit of water and some sugar if you need it (if your peaches are super-sweet, you might not) and put it on low heat. Plus I like to pile in some cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. No idea how much - do it to your taste. The original well-weathered recipe from my mom's cookbook called for a #2 can of peaches, though mom usually made this with fresh. So when I make that peach mixture, I'm aiming to heat it just long enough to get the same amount of peach-to-syrup ratio as that fabled #2 can of peaches.

Set your oven to 350 degrees (or whatever setting achieves this temperature, as is the case with my crap-box). Then mix 1 cup of Bisquick (fo sho), 1/2 cup of sugar, and 3/4 cup of milk. Meanwhile, toss 3/4 of a stick of butter into a casserole dish and pop it into the pre-heating oven until it melts. Don't let it burn!

The next part is key. Pour the batter in first, then add your peaches and syrup, spooned in delicately on top. Now, as the batter bakes and rises, it's going to soak up a lot of that yummy peach syrup. Oh yeah, and the gobs of butter. It goes in looking like a hot mess, but comes out like this after about 40-45 minutes:

Serve with ice cream if you please. In fact, I'd highly recommend it, because if you don't, you might be insulting its southern sensibility. Heaven forbid.

Seeing you in September

2009-09-24T20:33:00.005-05:00

I'm heading down to Austin tomorrow after work. It's been three months since I've been down there. Three!! That feels like too long.

I know what the blog is called, but I don't live down there anymore. It does get me down sometimes.

It's totes bat season right now too. Like, the peak. No time for bats, tho. I'm going to Round Top to go antiquing with Stacey! I was going to go for the Antiques Fair last fall, but, you know, I was unemployed. Wah. We're hitting it a weekend early, but there will still be plenty going on.

I'm still trying to hunt me down a spiffy little Hoosier. Wouldn't that be a dream? "Saves steps--and saves time, too." I have just the spot for it in my kitchen. But don't hold your breath ladies. Though I have a job now, the budget is still tight (and the car is small). I've got to find just the right one, at just the right price. It'll happen.

In the meantime, I'll be content with some blue and white crockery or maybe an old, perfectly worn-in quilt to take to the Cool Thursday concerts at the Arboretum. And really, who wouldn't love that?

Okra is OK!

2009-09-20T14:13:00.005-05:00

I've been in such a cooking rut this week. After last weekend's baking bonanza (finally made it to the store, but made shortbread cookies and muffins instead of brownies), I haven't cooked any "real food" in a while. So I'm trying to inspire myself by looking at some of the summer yummies I made back in August (and meant to post sooner).

There were about 3 weekends in a row there that I made regular visits to the Dallas Farmers Market. Every time I do that, I berate myself for not going every single weekend - it's so big and so close and there's so much good stuff. One of those weekends, I loaded up on okra. Stewed okra and tomatoes is something I was raised on, so I like to try and make up a batch every summer.

Now, if you weren't raised on okra, you might think it's pretty gross. You've got to be up for the slimy. I can absolutely see why the texture would freak someone out, but me, I don't mind at all.

There isn't really a recipe for this. Just chop up an onion and get it sauteing with some bacon drippings. Due to my desire to cook these occasional dishes from my youth, I've taken to keeping a jar of bacon drippings in my fridge. I mean, if you're southern, you just do it. Don't judge. Also, I think I used a half an onion based on how much okra I had.

Chop up your okra. I dunno, a pound or two? And chop up a tomato. Some take the skin off first but I'm too lazy for that. Put it all in the pot with a little water and salt and pepper, cover and let it cook on low (maybe 10-20 min) until it's just as soft as you like them. Ta daa!

Here's an actual recipe if you need it, since my instructions are pretty sparse. It calls for the liquid from the canned tomato, which I bet makes it quite tasty, tho since okra and tomatoes are in season at just exactly the same time, I figure, why not use a fresh tomato? Then again, your skins are already off. It's your call.

This is one of those few dishes that both my mom (Texas roots) and my dad (Louisiana roots) made for me when I was growing up. So no matter whose house I was at, in the late, hot summer, it was on the menu. Yum.

Anyone else super-excited about the Emmy's tonight? Go, Tina, go!

Semi-hormonal football geek-out

2009-09-12T14:20:00.003-05:00

A rainy Saturday, so I have no reason to feel bad about sitting on my couch all day, crocheting, knitting, and watching my beloved college football. I'm such a bum today, I didn't go to pilates this morning. And I wanna bake brownies, but don't feel up for running to the store for some eggs. I'm mean, I'm just completely slumming it. Whatevs.

You might recall last fall's "which team has the hottest quarterback" poll. Almost all of the contenders are back this year, and to replace USC's Sanchez, Pete Carroll has brought us freshman Matt Barkley. Jeeze, Pete. What do you do, recruit based on looks??

Not that I'm complaining. And I guess if that tactic ain't broke, don't fix it. Sanchez did you well. Even got himself a cheesy GQ fashion spread with a hot supermodel when he split with one year of eligibility left to head to the NFL.

Good grief dude, have you no self respect? I'm officially over him. But Mr. Barkley is quite a cute one. Jury is still out on whether the idea of starting a true freshman at quarterback will turn out to be a giant FAIL idea. Good luck kiddo!

It also sorta made my day to see the Herbstreit boys on College Gameday this morning. They're so adorable, all blonde-haired and blue-eyed just like their dad. Sweet.

Okay, I'll stop my semi-hormonal football geek-out now. Anyone wanna fetch me a carton of eggs?

Name that bug

2009-09-10T20:12:00.003-05:00

Everyone's lamenting the end of summer these days. I think most of us in Texas are over it though. I mean, I do love summer, don't get me wrong. But as per usual, it's overstayed its welcome here. We're all hot and sweaty and long for a cool breeze. Many of us have sunburned (not me of course). Our forgotten chapsticks have all melted. Our electric bills have broken the bank. Our cats and dogs have shed their coats. And shed them again. Our ovens have been largely overlooked and neglected. Our local ice cream cart man has rung his bell (and we have paid him our dollars). Our kids have returned to school (in wool skirts and blazers no less, poor girls). Our potted plants have bloomed, our herbs have been harvested many times over. And so on.

We're good. It's time.

One of the things I will miss about summer, though, is the sound it makes. Namely, this one.

It's been a particularly noisy summer, as far as these bugs are concerned. I'm not sure what determines that, but when they start humming, I just sigh. What a lovely sound. I would also like to give special recognition to the smell of an incoming summer rainstorm. That is, as long as it doesn't lead to a lightning bolt that puts my computer and modem entirely out of commission. But the smell - that and the humming bugs, I would keep.

So, can anyone identify? So that I might kindly wish these bugs farewell by name, of course, as the cool nights start creeping in. After all, even if your guests have overstayed their welcome, you still must maintain decorum.

High school girls

2009-09-07T19:07:00.004-05:00

I work at an old private school. A very old private school. And its halls are lined with photos of the girls who have graduated from this school in its 130+ years. So one day, armed with a camera and inspired by my dear new friend Amy, I took a few pictures of these girls.

In the main entryway, there are photos of some of the earliest classes.

Here is the Class of 1899, all done up in their finest dresses. Party like it's.. oh wait. Yeah, that was probably a much tamer party. But oh, to be 18 in 1899!

Kate and Ethel from the class of 1900. They got a little crazy with the hair accessories that year.

There's a ghost story associated with the class of 1920. One of their dearest, favorite nuns died that year. Everyone had gathered outside for the class photo, including the nuns, but when the picture was developed, there is a nun spotted in the window. If everyone was outside, then who was in the window? It was all agreed - the nun who died.

Can you see her now? Spooky. Or sweet - depends on which way you look at it.

Oh Miss Nellie Kirby, class of 1924. How I love her so. The other girls in her class had fluffed out their hair or worn lace collars or fancy necklaces, but not Nellie. She's like, "Go on vain girls. I'm just me." I suspect she was much beloved, always quick with a joke, a true dry wit.

Oh my goodness, what is going on with Rose? She looks a bit cross. Do you think she was upset that she was 3rd Essayist rather than 2nd or 1st of the class of 1927? Perhaps she was jealous of the valedictorian..

Doryoalace is my favorite girl in the whole hallway of pictures. She was class of 1932. These days, in one visit to Northpark Mall, she'd be spotted by someone and sent off to Paris to walk the runways as a model. Before long, she'd sign a contract to be the face of Estee Lauder. She'd attend fancy parties in New York and hang out with fabulous people.

With such a unique name, I was able to google Miss Watson and found she passed away in 1995 at age 81, still Miss Doryoalace Watson. She was not a fabulous model, but a clerk for the Texas & Pacific Railroad and an art teacher. The only survivor listed is a sister, so I think perhaps she never married. Can you imagine? And such a beauty. I wish I knew more about her.

Oh Winnie. Winnie McBean. Somehow, you get the sense that she was just not amused by her name. Perhaps it was more common in 1934. At any rate, it should be more common now I think. Gone are the days of the Winnies, and we are worse off for it.

There are pictures of a few more girls on my Flickr, and about a bajillion more lining the halls of the school, watching over the class of 2013 (!) as they come rumbling in. Perhaps I'll do a round two someday.

Okay Amy, there's your present. Hope you liked it!

Happy Day

2009-08-31T17:50:00.003-05:00

Today is my mom's birthday! Yay! Happy birthday mum!

At around midnight last night I called her, where she was already at her desk all the way on what is nearly the other side of the world, and sang to her. We always do this for each other.

For the life of me, I can't put a date on this photo. Can you, mom? We're at the Camp, obvs. And you look awesome. And it looks like my braces are off. I want to say... oh gosh. '94? '93?

We are a tight duo. Always have been. My parents divorced when I was quite young, and my brother left for college when I was 8 or so. So from 8 to 18, it was just me and mom. With my brother dropping in from time to time, of course. We were sorta like roommates then. Me, her, and a kitteh.

I do have a date for this one: 1997 - Christmas in Jamaica. I feel like that idea came to us during one of those gray, fall afternoons watching TV together in the living room. A commercial with a beach came on, and it was like, yes.

If I thought being a single mother all those years, or even an Army wife in the Middle East in the 70s, was the bravest thing she'd ever done, well I had something coming. We all did. It just blows my mind the stuff she's done over the past few years. She is constantly reinventing, seeking out the next great adventure. She is changing and learning, still. You better hope you're kicking that much ass in your 60s.

And next birthday will be the best one yet. Mandatory retirement! Well, as mandatory as she wants to make of it. She's never been one to sit still for too long.

XO mumsie.

In case you missed it

2009-08-28T13:07:00.003-05:00

Puppies dressed as cats. Genius. Thanks Conan! I'm totally looking forward to more 'Tonight Show Mini-Dose of Joy' segments.

On the computer front, the good news is that Devlin is back and repaired! The bad news is that I have now discovered that the thunderstorm fried my modem too. So on Saturday I gotta go swap it out for a new one. And then to Best Buy to purchase the most expensive, fancy-fangled surge protector I can find. Thanks Mother Nature, you're awesome.

Also, when in doubt, I would advise you to purchase the Apple Care protection for your Apple product. All repairs for my computer were freesies. I'm just sayin'.

Ruh-roh

2009-08-24T15:37:00.000-05:00

It is the nature of North Texas that one will have some wicked storms from time to time. I generally enjoy the excitement of them, although lately they just cause me stress. Like knocking out my power for a day or two, or frying my computer.

At least that's my theory why my laptop Devlin wasn't working Friday evening, because we had this wicked storm Friday morning and I was so startled by one particular bolt of lightning that I got out of bed and went sniffing about for smoke. And poor Dev, he won't even turn on. I'm worried that everything on the hard drive is gone. Oh sigh.

(Taken back in my Astoria apartment.)

So no fun blog posts from me this week, unless I can squeeze it in during work (like I'm doing this one), but that will be highly unlikely. I took him in to the Apple Store and they've shipped him off to some repair facility. It's one thing to be without a computer when you're on a beach for a week or something. I mean, I get that. That's nice. But during an average week, when I'm itching to get some photo editing done.. well that's just a bummer.

But I'm hoping to use my time really wisely this week. I've deemed it "Home Improvement/Clear Off The DVR Week." Also, "Make Peach Cobbler Week." And I'll tell you all about it when I finally get back on the interwebs. How exciting that will be!

And yes, I name my electronics - more specifically, my computer and iPod - after characters from old movies. If you can tell me what film Devlin comes from, I will buy you a cupcake. Trivia!

It was all yellow

2009-08-13T18:52:00.005-05:00

Okay, here's that finished baby blanket.

The shower was a lot of fun, with lots of sweets. Like so many sweets, it could make your head explode. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I had a good time catching up with college friends on Saturday, talking about babies and our families and such, and then on Monday night, one of the friends' sister had a baby. And then, you know, the owner of this blanket is still on the way. And my step-sister is pregnant. See what I mean about the babies?? They're everywhere.

This is the Tiramisu blanket, a very popular pattern, except I adapt it so as not to have to weave in the ribbon. I think life is easier if mom can just throw a blanket in the wash (although, delicate cycle please). I don't like pink but my friend is very girly, so I embellished with a happy flower. It looks nice I think.

And now, to yellow deserts! I made this banana pudding a couple weeks ago and it was so huge and I just couldn't figure out how I'd eat it all. I brought some to work, I sent visitors home with plastic containers of it, I tried to give some to my neighbor. In the end, not a drop was wasted, but I think my waistline suffered the most for that.

We made banana pudding a lot when I was growing up. Although I think most of the time we cheated and bought a box of instant pudding and then slapped all the pieces together. It really doesn't take long when you do it that way, and obviously still tastes good. But really, making the pudding from scratch just takes a jiff, despite involving a few more ingredients. And it's even better - like, lick-the-pot good.

So last summer I had some banana pudding from a restaurant, but I can't remember the name. They brought in a huge tray to the magazine I was working for, and it was probably better than any other banana pudding I'd had, and it was clear the reason I enjoyed it so much was the liberal use of whipped cream. So when I was hunting for a recipe to make this from scratch, I chose this one because it involves folding that whipped cream right into the pudding before putting everything together. You just gained a pound reading that sentence, didn't you.

Banana Pudding
adapted from recipe found here, which was adapted from recipe found here

For whipped cream:
2 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I always use Mexican vanilla)
2 teaspoons sugar

For pudding:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups hot milk
3 large egg yolks, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (yup, Mexican)

1 (12-ounce) box Nilla wafers
5 medium size ripe bananas, peeled and thinly sliced

Mix sugar, flour, and salt in a large heavy saucepan. Gradually stir in the hot milk with a whisk. Cook the mixture over moderate heat while stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Slowly stir approximately 1/4 cup of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks to bring them up to temp. Next add the yolks to the hot mixture and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture is fully thickened to a custard-like consistency and coats a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

While you let pudding cool to room temp, whip all ingredients for whipped cream to stiff peaks. Then fold 1/2 cup of the whipped cream into the pudding (oops, in re-reading this, just discovered I folded in 1/2 the whipped cream, rather than 1/2 cup! So just do whatever you like). Line a glass bowl or casserole dish with Nilla wafers, doing your best to get them up the sides. Alternately layer banana slices, pudding, and vanilla wafers, and end up with pudding on top, then spread remaining whipped cream over the top of all of it. Chill as long as you can stand it, then serve.

Share it with friends.

Busy fingers

2009-08-06T18:47:00.004-05:00

I'm so close to finishing a gift for a baby shower I'm attending down in Houston this weekend. Just when I think I might be baby-free, another dear friend or loved one gets pregnant. And it's so easy (if a bit time-consuming) to craft something handmade, and it means ever so much to the recipient. At least, we makers of handmade things hope that it does.

I'm making a variation on this blanket for the shower this weekend.

Blankets are easy for these Texas babies, because they can be used nearly year round. Spread it on the floor and set them on top of it in the summer, or tuck it 'round them in the winter while they sleep. Alternatives being hats, booties, sweaters, etc., and no Texas baby is going to get a whole lot of use out of that.

So when a New York friend had a baby this spring, I was all set and determined to make it a little sweater. The winters go on forever there (or at least, it feels that way), so I know it will see some good use.

Its owner is named Luca and he's beautiful and cute as a button. I hope I get to meet him when I go visit my former city this fall. I'd never made anything with this many seams before - it did fry my brain a little. I dragged my feet and even more so when it came to simply sewing on the buttons - the last step. It seems I'd rather have yarn between my fingers than thread.

Although, if that's the case, I may not like my next endeavor as much: embroidery. I've been reading through this book lately, in preparation for starting my first projects.

I really think I'll love it though. It's a new way to make gifts or prettify things around my house. I want to have a whole stash of pillow cases like Alicia (geeze, I link to her blog a lot, don't I? Really though, that is one of my top five Alicia blog posts ever). I also want to make a set of days-of-the-week dishtowels (yeah, probably these) and swap them out for my raggedy, mismatched set. I'm finding that having pretty dishtowels makes kitchen time that much more fun.

Okay, must go watch SYTYCD now. I'm not going to say who I'm rooting for because frankly, I'm a bit torn. But they're all good eggs I think, so am hoping either way I'll be happy with the result.

"Do me, Don Draper!"

2009-07-29T12:06:00.004-05:00

(she seems to say)

Yes, that's me, new employee at Sterling Cooper. I am so ready for Mad Men to return. So, so ready. Meanwhile, this little application made my day.

As you requested, Stacey!

The one where I discover Charley Harper

2009-07-28T20:05:00.004-05:00

Going through some blog backlog today, I discovered this entry on the Purl Bee about the arrival of the Charley Harper needlepoint canvases at the store. My those look nifty, I thought, maybe if I just google Charley Harper....OH MY GOODNESS.

Good thing it was a slow day at work cos I was just consumed with all things Charley Harper for a good thirty minutes. I mean, I sorta want all of these prints. All of them. Well okay, the one above, Upside Downside, is probably my favorite. I got a birthday coming up in a couple months and all. I'm just sayin'.

You know I had to find a polar bear one. Isn't it to die for? It's called Scary Scenario, although I'd much prefer he had called it something like Bestest Friends Ever. This one costs more than the Fryes, so it's out of the question. Sigh.

Mr. Harper did have a way with giving his works the most clever titles. The one above is called Last Sunflower Seed. Bwah! I love it.

I adore this one, called Gregarious Grosbeak, and it's one of his works that's been converted to needlepoint. They sell it at Purl but are currently sold out. If I had it though, I'd totes pick up doing needlepoint again. I haven't done it in ages, but I'm certain I'd be quick to remember. Seems like everyone in the world's mom taught them to sew as a child, but my mom was less on the sewing and more on the needlepoint when I was growing up. Wouldn't you agree mom? I can remember her teaching me how to do this and really enjoying it. And then I didn't so much miss the sewing bit.

I love how they're very modern, mid-century feeling, but still have this folksy vibe about them. They're quirky and charming and heavy on the birds and cats and dogs and raccoons and owls and I must have one. I must. This one is called Birch Bark & Birds.

Thankfully many of his prints, originals, lithographs, etc. are available for purchase. Do yourself a favor and go browse through them - I love them all so much I just can't stand it. They also have calendars. Maybe I'll treat myself to one later this year..

Charley Harper: Bam. Add it to the wish list.

Woman of the Year

2009-07-24T17:14:00.003-05:00

Have you seen this movie? It has been collecting dust on my DVR, so today I finally got 'round to watching it. Of course it was so good, now I'm convinced I can't delete it. At least, not until I get it on DVD. I already want to watch it again.

It was their first movie together, their very first. The chemistry is really astounding. The dialog is genius (it's no surprise it won the Academy Award for best original screenplay). And it's all just so funny and smart and romantic. Just genius. And don't get all women's lib saying, "Why does she want to make him waffles at the end?" Just remember, this was 1942. Women were supposed to want to make men waffles.

I think, considering the movie is 67 years old, it feels incredibly relevant. And did I mention the chemistry? Yeah.

Cover models

2009-07-23T08:55:00.004-05:00

I was just reading about this book Chicle the other day, and though the idea of a book all about the history of gum is fascinating, what really grabbed me was its cover.

Oh my gosh, isn't it amazing? I want it blown up to poster size and put on my wall. It's SO GOOD. It didn't take much searching to find its designer, David Drummond. He even has a blog where he chronicles his book designing exploits, sharing his covers and some insight into their creation and what inspired them.

It's not something one usually thinks about, is it? Book cover design? This one was great. According to David, "The only stipulation was that concept had to feature a cigarette prominently." Naturally.

He also does some book catalog design. I love this image. Thanks for sharing your work with us David!

As for the boots, yes I decided to keep them, I was a little worried about how much I'd be able to wear them, what with my new work dress code (no jeans), but I'll just stock up on more skirts and corduroys for the fall. Plus, as several people pointed out, these are Fryes and will last forever. Anyway, I'm going to use the freelance paycheck I've got coming to me to pay for them. I deserve some sort of treat for cranking out those two projects. They were so not fun and at the time I would have much preferred to be doing something else. So in exchange: boots.

Boot survey

2009-07-19T22:23:00.004-05:00

Dear readers,

I accidentally bought these boots over the weekend at the Nordstrom's sale. You see, a very nice saleslady tripped me, and I fell into them, and they looked so divine that I bought them. They are Fryes.

Should I keep them? Despite being on sale, they were very expensive and I am having buyer's remorse. Pls respond via comment.

XO,
AT

Romanticizing camp

2009-07-14T17:58:00.005-05:00

This time of year, I always start missing camp. Yes that camp. The good, old-fashioned summer camp. I have this weird romanticized obsession with it. Although I am totally not an outdoors, let's jump in a canoe, sit outside and get eaten by mosquitoes, type of person. I much prefer a summer spent on a beach. But in the rear view mirror, oh those camp days look fine.

I wanted so badly to scan some of my old camp pictures for this post, but unfortunately they're all in storage with the rest of my stuff pre-2002. So instead I'm gonna pull on an old fashion spread done for a magazine that is no longer, but that I once loved and worked for. This stuff never goes out of style.

Yeah, that's the one.

Of course I never looked that lovely and refreshed at camp. I spent my summers at this camp, in central Louisiana, and it was always hot as hell and we had no AC in the cabins and were in constant state of sweaty grossness. And we liked it that way.

Our days consisted of meal times and game times and a little bit of prayer times. Yeah, it was that kind of camp. I can remember getting daubed with paint on my cheeks to designate my team and then tearing down the hillsides in a bout of capture the flag or something similar to the sounds of "It's the End of the World as We Know It" blasting over the loudspeakers.

We made friendship bracelets like they were going out of style (um, they were) and wasted our afternoons playing four-square and gorging on junk food from the canteen. We went to dances and stood awkwardly in corners and we ended each day with milk and cookies in the dining hall. We bonded for life.

To this day I can't smell Pantene (especially Pantene in a musty, non-air-conditioned bathroom) and not think of my time there. Ah memories.

It's totally the wrong season for it, but all this talk of camp reminds me of my burning desire to one day own one of these camp blankets. The Pendleton Glacier National Park blanket never goes out of style. Add it to the wish list.

And of course at camp, I'd need a bandanna to wear 'round my neck or my forehead to keep the sweat at bay. These days, I'd pay homage to my dear sweet Astoria (and therefore Queens) with this uh-may-zing new bandanna from the great Etsy seller Hand Over Fist.

Oh my gosh, add it to the wish list. Now.

Meanwhile, who am I kidding? My camp days are solidly behind me, so instead I'll just settle in and listen to the "Notes on Camp" episode of This American Life again. It's probably my favorite. Well, one of them. There are so many after all.

Happy summer everyone!

High on pie

2009-07-07T18:58:00.005-05:00

I am so lime'd out right now. And yet I keep going back for more... Back in early May, I spotted key limes on sale at Newflower Market and decided I needed to tackle a key lime pie from scratch. Certainly, you can make a key lime pie with just regular limes, but I doubt it tastes as yummy.

The only downside to making it as intended? Those key limes are tiny, and you've gotta squeeze a heck of a lot of them to get the juice you need. Luckily they usually aren't too expensive. I think Newflower had them on sale for 20 for a $1? But that was a couple months ago (I'm a slooow blogger). What you really need to focus on is the patience in squeezing them all. And dang, it is so worth it.

I think this was the last slice. I'd already blown through most of it (and shared some with good friends) before I remembered to take a picture. As for the recipe, I just did some googling and found there wasn't a lot of variation in what goes into it. So here's the recipe I used, swiped from Epicurious:

Key Lime Pie

For crust
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs from 9 crackers (yeah, I got the boxed graham crumbs - I'm all for saving steps.)
2 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For filling
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh or bottled key lime juice (But don't use bottled. Short cuts are okay when it comes to graham crumbs, but not citrus juices in my opinion. This took me about 30 key limes.)

For topping
3/4 cup chilled heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a bowl with a fork until combined well, then press mixture evenly onto bottom and up side of a 9-inch glass pie plate. Bake crust in middle of oven 10 minutes and cool in pie plate on a rack. Leave oven on.

Whisk together condensed milk and yolks in a bowl until combined well. Add juice and whisk until well blended (mixture will thicken slightly). Pour filling into crust and bake in middle of oven for 15 minutes. Cool pie completely (filling will set as it cools), then chill, covered, at least 8 hours.

Just before serving, beat cream in a bowl with an electric mixer until it just holds stiff peaks. Serve pie topped with cream. (Full disclosure, despite having some heavy cream on hand, I also had a half-empty thing of Cool Whip from when I made 'lazy man's strawberry shortcake' the week before. That's right, canned biscuits and Cool Whip were involved. So make the real stuff if you want to, but if you go for the frozen "whipped topping," I won't judge. The lime juice on the other hand...)

By the way, did I mention before that my oven seems to run a bit hot? A tad? Well, I bought one of those in-oven temperature gauges and it says that it runs one hundred degrees above what it's set at. No wonder everything's been burning! However, now I'm noticing that when the oven is totally off, that same temperature gauge says it's like 300 degrees in there. So I think it's broken too. Will the oven mystery never be solved? Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, it's no wonder that my latest and more recent lime creation is an icebox pie. Better to be safe than to be without pie.

That's what I always say.

Shoe Love

2009-06-30T21:49:00.005-05:00

Ever since the spring, every time I go into a DSW, I find these shoes, and I pet them. I think they're fabulous.

Unfortunately, they're also $300 (or at least they were - they may have made it down to $200 by now). Too rich for my blood. Surely by the time they are in my price range, there will be only size 9's or 6's left and so it will never be.

But last time I saw them a couple weeks ago, I tried them on and took a picture so I'd have something to remember them by. If I owned them, I would rock them like nobody's business this weekend. Cos, you know. It's 4th of July. Oh yeah, and they're Marc by Marc Jacobs, in case you're curious.

Instead I probably won't be rocking anything this weekend. Just sporting headphones to block out my rowdy neighbors and their firework popping. And reading. Just the kind of three-day weekend I'm craving right now. My new job is going well, but June's been a rather busy month, and I'm due for some quiet R&R. And some baking. Any requests?

First day of school

2009-06-21T22:08:00.002-05:00

It's tomorrow! For me anyway.

All evening, I've been watching "The Big Band Years" on KERA (the Dallas-area PBS station). They'd compiled all this footage of performances by Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman and others playing some of my favorite old big band songs. It was what I imagined MTV would have looked like had it been around in the 30s and 40s.

Ages ago, I bought a double CD set of the Glenn Miller Orchestra's greatest hits and I still love listening to it. If you don't want to invest the money, you can always listen to KNCT, broadcast out of the Central Texas College campus in Killeen, Texas. On Sunday afternoons, they play nothing but great big band music from 12 to 6 pm (that's central time, y'all). I caught it once on a drive back from Austin and now listen to it on the interwebs when I can.

Assuming I ever get married, and it's to a man with lots o' money, I want a big band at my reception. It would be fabulous. They would play "Pennsylvania 6-5000" and "In the Mood" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and of course "Moonlight Serenade." And I would have forced the boy to take some dance lessons before-hand so we could tear up the dance floor. There'd also be lots of champagne involved. Gee, wouldn't that be swell?

Clearly I've got a thing for the 30s and 40s, as evidenced by my love for this music in addition to my obsession with any film starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. But that's a whole other post. For now, enjoy Mr. Miller and his players!

C'est moi

2009-06-10T22:11:00.004-05:00

Did you ever have one of these done when you were young?

I never did. At least not that I could recall. So when I was at the Dallas Arboretum in May to sign up to volunteer (an awesome gig, I should add -- I highly recommend it), and I saw a lady with a table set up selling her silhouette sketching services, I walked right up and put down my money. Only midway through did I realize it'd make an awesome Mother's Day gift.

I think I look like I'm 8 years old in that picture, rather than 28. I think that's exactly how my hair looked at that age too. And as her next client was rolled up in a stroller, I had no shame. Even grownups should have a silhouette done. Go do it.

Speaking of me, me, me, next we go to diaries. I got one of my final publishing job-related freebie goodies in the mail last week. I'm definitely gonna miss those.

My Keel's Simple Diary is white. I probably would have chosen blue or green, but receivers of freebies can't be choosers.

I've missed having a diary. My last one is dated to my college years. About a year ago, I pulled it out and found it to be the funniest thing I'd read in ages. Honestly, it's a riot. This one is a little more restrained. Some simple questions, thought-provoking prompts, and you're done. Just the simple continuity of it feels nice. I dig it.

Strange days

2009-06-04T13:23:00.003-05:00

Such a strange strange month it's been. Don't you think? Or is it just me? It has been so tumultuous, full of goodbyes and hellos and big changes.

Photo by the amazing Pete Souza, The Official White House Photostream. (Yes I'm still obsessed with it.)

Aren't graduations fun? I love 'em. I didn't get to attend any this spring but I know plenty of people who did. I miss that ebb and flow of a school year. How September is the new beginning rather than January. New outfits, freshly sharpened pencils, go pick out a new Trapper Keeper with kittens on the cover. Vacation at the holidays, then back to school. Spring Break. Tests. And the end rolls around in May. School's out for summer (for ever).

Students follow this schedule. TV sorta does too. I wish I did sometimes. I wish summer had that lightness to it like it did when I was young. So I'm changing direction a bit. Trying something new. Leaving magazines for the time being and going back to that school environment. I hope I like it. And I hope this means I'll have more time for my blog, and keeping everyone up to date on the latest polar bear news and etsy favorites and all that nonsense. You'd like that, wouldn't you?

So give me a couple more weeks and I'll soon have my business sorted out. Fingers crossed.

By the way, did you know that there is this crazy abandoned mini-golf in a spaceship business right alongside I-35E just south of Dallas? It's at the exit for Italy, and it is superfun to take pictures inside of. Case in point.

Dork.

That's right, you're not from Texas

2009-05-26T21:47:00.004-05:00

A good friend is coming to visit this weekend from my New York years, and she's never been to Texas before. For some reason, I'm a bit anxious about it. I desperately want the state to put on its best face: perfect weather, gracious welcome, easy hospitality. I'm looking for a Willie Nelson-like welcome. Yep, that's my favorite side of the state, I'd say. The Willie side. I think that's a side she'd appreciate.

I mean, what's not to like? Sure sure, we're a red state, but let's look at the good side here. I mean, we all like a good beer, yes?

Well, except for me of course. I'd prefer a margarita. But I'm a little odd like that. And we all likes deh football.

Speaking of, I heard a hullabaloo honked today (and the responding "whoop") in Uptown Dallas. Weird. That's right, Dallas can has it too.

We love big open skies. And cows.

And speaking of the cows, we love Whataburger. (Oh sorry vegetarian friends. We love you too.)

And BBQ. Yep, we heart the smoked meats.

Man, has she got an awesome weekend ahead of her or what? I really hope she likes it. After all, she likes me, and I'm from Texas. I'm tempted to make her a CD for the drive from Dallas down to Austin. A few tunes to get her in the mood. First track, naturally, would be this song..

That's right S, Texas wants you anyway.

Reason #506,182 why I love the internets

2009-05-20T14:42:00.006-05:00

Play Him Off, Keyboard Cat, is so cool, it's haunting Stephen Colbert's dreams.

This wasn't the only awesome part of Monday's The Daily Show. I also thoroughly enjoyed the "Be A F**king Person" segment immensely, as well as the "Barack Obama is Cliff Huxtable" bit. Why so late with this? I DVR and watch it later. Like, say, today at lunch, while eating an Amy's frozen meal on my couch.

In other awesome internets news, Chuck is back for another season (although short, and as a midseason replacement). But hey, we'll take it. Just don't make me eat a Subway sandwich while watching every episode, mmmkay?

Wishin I had the money to buy..

2009-05-16T17:20:00.005-05:00

After a day of digging through the sale racks at a few of my favorite stores, it's nice to think about what I would buy if I had the money. For example, I'm pretty obsessed with this bag right now:

It's a Steamer Bag from Billykirk, inspired by the old Louis Vuitton Steamer Bags, but I'd imagine much more affordable. Not enough, though, at $300. Maybe once I get my bumper fixed up, and my new glasses. And that Hoosier cabinet I've been dreaming of.. Yeah. I'll add it to the list. Maybe someday.

My love for it might have something to do with my obsession with mattress ticking. I have a cache of two different kinds of fabric: toile and mattress ticking. I'm nuts about both. Note my new camera strap, and the curtains I made for the storage space in my apartment in Astoria (which, I should note, now hang in my kitchen). So yeah, that could be part of the reason.

Also, when I was at the Main Street Arts Festival a few weeks ago, I discovered the pretty jewelry of Mary Darwall. She does crazy beautiful stuff with beads, all with this sort of ocean theme. Think pearls and coral and turquoise colors. Even the most affordable piece couldn't be justified at the time, though. It needs a mega-special occasion, as these are some serious statement necklaces.

Seems like there are some stores that carry her stuff, but probably the best thing to do is catch her at a local craft show like I did. I hope she comes to Main St. again next year. Maybe by then, I'll have saved a little dough.

I could see them working for a wedding. Like, maybe the one below with a simple, warm ivory-colored dress. At a fall or winter evening, black-tie wedding. Hrm. No, no, don't worry, I'm not projecting. It's not like anyone's ever asked. I think that comes first.

My neighbor just informed me that the For Rent sign seems to have been taken out of our front yard. i.e. maybe a tenant has been found for the two front apartments? This is a 4-plex, but it's been just the two of us - me upstairs and her downstairs in the two rear apartments - for the last 2 or 3 weeks. We'd sorta love to keep it that way. New neighbors can be good if say, it's a nice cute boy, but it can also be bad if say, it's a crazy person. We've got our fingers crossed for the former.

Put on a cheesy romantic movie

2009-05-09T20:39:00.004-05:00

They were quite the pair back then, these sisters.

Still are now.

In the top photo, my mom is on the right, and in the bottom one, she's on the left. And next to her is one of a few excellent backup moms I have in my life, my Aunt Cynthia. I'm very lucky to have them. Especially these days, with my mom working overseas for the last 5 or so years.

I want to wish my mom, Aunt Cyn, and all my backup moms a very happy Mother's Day. Thank you for being there, for sending me sweet cards in the mail, taking me to art festivals, and for helping me pack up my apartment. I know my mom appreciates it a lot. She'd be here if she could but, you know, she's out doing her part to make the world a safer place. We're just holding down the fort.

I gotta post this tonight because my mom will be up for her morning in just a few hours, and she'll be heading to work. She's far away, but if she were here, I'd make her some coffee right when she wakes up. Some really good coffee and not those freeze-dried crystals she likes so much. Then I'd probably make that puffed pear pancake I made last time she was here. She seemed to like it a lot, and it makes the apartment smell all warm and cinnamon-y.

Then we'd sit around and watch that movie I recorded off of Lifetime (or was it the Hallmark Channel? Or maybe it was ABC Family?) a while back while CJ curls up between us. Something about a guy going back in time to stop the girl he loves now from marrying the wrong guy then. She'd love that. Then maybe we'd do a bit of shopping: go to Old Navy where I'd help her pick out a few new outfits, then to DSW to use that award coupon I got in the mail. Then out to an earlyish dinner of margaritas and Mexican food, where we'd order guacamole and make assumptions about our fellow diners. Yeah, I think she'd like that.

Rain check for June, mom?

XOXO.

Just Ain't Working Out

2009-05-06T15:41:00.007-05:00

Ohai Mayer Hawthorne.

How does someone who looks like this..

Sing like this?

I love this song.

100 Days

2009-05-01T16:04:00.000-05:00

Just discovered the coolest job in the world. Pete Souza is the official White House photographer, and recently, a huge chunk of photos that he's taken over the president's first 100 days were uploaded to Flickr.

Do yourself a favor and go browse through them. Seriously. They are the coolest.

You might have seen this one already, taken on inauguration night. You'll notice Michelle figures prominently in most of my favorites shown here. Um, because I love her. But who doesn't?

Watching the Super Bowl at the Obamas' house, in 3-D of course.

This reminds me of a still shot of a scene from some beautiful, sweeping, romantic movie. The lighting makes me swoon.

Pete catches all these great moments and humanizing details. And sometimes it's just a hand gesturing or a view through a window or the president adjusting a colleague's tie or a tray of glasses waiting to be placed out for a cabinet meeting. It's all those little snippets that give you a sense of intimacy here. Oh to be set free in that house with a camera.

I can has President Obama bring me a birthday cake? That would definitely be the best day EVAR.

This one was taken in the U.S. Embassy in Prague. This photo makes me all sorts of happy. Make sure you click on these photos and then pull up the 'All Sizes' view. The large version is included for most of them, which is fun for picking out those awesome little details, like the "Babies for Obama" button she is wearing on her dress.

It looks like the White House photo stream on Flickr will be updated regularly from here going forward. Oh I hope so. Might I say, on behalf of America: Thanks for sharing Pete!

And now, in honor of the President's first 100 days in office, "100 Days, 100 Nights" by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.

Seriously y'all (plus banana nut bread)

2009-04-23T08:59:00.006-05:00

Save Chuck.

I love this show and the season (series?) finale is this coming Monday and NBC still hasn't committed to renewing it. And so the fans are mobilizing. And it's getting lots of press. Lots and lots and lots. (And apparently this is all Jay Leno's fault for eating up 5 hours of primetime television, and from here going forward, no one under the age of 60 will watch NBC at 10/9 central.)

So this is the wee part I'm doing. If you're a fan, blog or twitter or send a good old fashioned letter or whatever it is you feel moved to do. And if you're not, if it gets renewed, promise you'll start watching this fall. It will be the bee's knees. I mean, the last couple of episodes have featured Chevy Chase and Scott Bakula. Scott Bakula folks!! You know, Quantum Leap? Dr. Sam Becket?? Hoping that each leap would be the leap home? Oh, the little 12-year-old me just lived for that show. And now you can watch old episodes on Hulu. Yay!

As for the blog name change situation, I didn't get a lot of feedback (as expected). And what little I did get was pretty much 'keep it as is,' so I suppose I will, for now. If it begins to seem as though I will always and forever be keeping Austin weird from afar (as it already does), then I'll change it. Maybe I'll give it another six months.

Wanted to finally share the banana nut bread recipe. I did make one for Easter, which stayed at my aunt and uncle's house, so I made another one last weekend and brought half to the office, where it was happily received.

You might remember the previous attempt to make banana nut bread with an unfamiliar recipe. Which prompted my seeking out this old family favorite. Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Maw Maw's Banana Nut Bread

¾ cup butter-flavored Crisco (no one ever said this was good for you)
2 ½ cups flour
1 cup white sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 ¼ cup mashed ripe bananas
2/3 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
¾ cup nuts (we prefer pecans)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in a big bowl. Pour into a greased and floured bread pan. Bake in 350 degree oven 45 to 50 minutes or until bread springs back when touched (or toothpick comes out dry).

It's strange, making this as many times as I have over the last six months, how many questions I have. I wish I could just watch her make it once, you know? How ripe did she like the bananas? When mixing, is there a certain order she likes things added in? How well should it be mixed? Just til it comes together? Or beaten for a bit? How much does she pack the brown sugar? And etc. Unfortunately, I was 11 when she died, and didn't share her love of baking as much then. But now I think we'd enjoy a day of baking and crocheting together. Perhaps someday.

Oh my

2009-04-17T09:33:00.005-05:00

I let myself just dip a toe into Etsy this morning. Never a good idea in my current financial state, to be sure. It had been far too long since I'd visited Berkley Illustration's store (I was a verified stalker of it last year, when I bought three prints). There are many new creatures both large and small that Ryan has drawn, but oh this one tempts me more than any:

Oh my. Polar bears are obviously at the top of my list of animals I am inexplicably attached to. But lions and horses are quite close behind them. (Although, despite my joy at the sight, that would be one hot, bloody mess if you got all three of them in a room together. Yeesh.)

I may have to add this to the wish list. He would look quite fine alongside my polar bear print. Even better, Ryan should draw a lioness to go along with him. And then my life would be complete. Sigh.

Also, I just discovered something quite strange. When I first started this blog about a year ago, I was living in Austin, obvs, and chose the name. And at one point I tried to find it via google and it was just near impossible (the phrase "Keep Austin Weird" is quite popular, you see). So just this morning, I googled the blog name without thinking (usually I just type the address in) and it was on the first page of google. Wha?? So I think in some highly technical internets way, that is a good thing.

However, I was just recently considering finally changing this over to Keeping Dallas Weird, since it's been almost 6 months now that I've been up here. But I dunno, should I just keep it as is? I'm not sure there's any way to move all the previous entries over to the new address, which is a drag. And the google development is sorta cool.

Meanwhile, I keep thinking that people are stumbling upon this blog and start looking around thinking this is an Austin person's blog and then they're like, "Yo, this bitch lives in Dallas! I'm out." I feel like it's a bit misleading that way. I do still love Austin, and hope in this wee little corner of my heart that I'll return someday, but maybe it is time to let go and devote myself anew to weirdifying Dallas. (Tho regardless of outcome, rest assured I'm still keeping my 512 cell phone number.)

Suggestions? I think there's only 10 people reading at the most, so perhaps am giving this too much thought..

Sugar explosion

2009-04-16T14:07:00.003-05:00

Every year, soon as lent is over, I go nuts with the sugar. While I am going without, I stockpile Easter candy, and the inevitable Girl Scout cookies that come in during that time. And then once Easter rolls around, I bury my face in it (much to my tummy's dismay). Mmmm.

Yesterday, some PR lady came by the office to bring us some of this:

I'd never heard of Graeter's before, but apparently it's an Ohio-based ice cream company, and this is the first time their stuff has been available in Texas (but only in Kroger stores in Houston and Dallas it seems). They brought us three flavors, which we all promptly tried. My favorite was the Blueberry Pie flavor. Swoon. I love ice cream on pie, but pie in ice cream, well that's just fabulous.

I love regional goods. It feels exclusive when you get to buy them, like you're in a special club. But since they're everywhere in "the region," they are often taken for granted. Which I discovered during those long five years in New York without Blue Bell ice cream. And Braum's. And Sonic Cherry Limeades (though I wouldn't necessarily consider Sonic "regional," but they are sorta absent from the northeast). Yeah, that was painful. What's your favorite regional treat?

I was at Krogers, as it happens, after work and saw the Graeter's. Five dollars a pint! Yeesh. I'll wait for a sale. So instead I perused the new flavors of Ben & Jerry's, which were on sale, and spied this one.

Had to try it. I only had a few bites last night, but it was nice. Some people really don't like marzipan, and if that's the case, then this is not for you. But I thought the almond cookies in there were delish. Of course my favorite B&J flavor ever is Oatmeal Cookie Chunk. To die for.

Also it looks like they have brought back Triple Caramel Chunk and are hailing it as new although I can remember eating that flavor in college. I'm just sayin'.

Okay, I'll stop prattling on about ice cream now. New Music Spring '09 continues with the latest from Camera Obscura. NPR is doing their sneak peek again (like they did for Andrew Bird), so I've been listening to it non-stop at my desk. I love when they do that. Thanks NPR, for being so awesome.

Back during my music magazine days, I interviewed the lead singer after their last album came out. I just loved it and begged to do a story on them. I'm a total FAIL at music writing, and it was the most in-depth thing I wrote while I was there, which isn't saying much since it was short and only ran on their website. But I was quite proud of it.

Lastly, yesterday was my nephew's birthday (yep, he was born on tax day). I can't believe WillBaby is already 7. How did that happen? What a fine-looking chap he is growing up to be.

And for this birthday, my present arrived on time. Score!

A dresser

2009-04-09T14:36:00.004-05:00

I has one.

Just waiting for it to be delivered. Hooray!

It's not big enough to hold all my clothes but I think that just means I need to get rid of some clothes. Yeah, that's probably a good idea. I'm getting a spring cleaning twitch. And someday when I get a big one, it'll work nice as a buffet or credenza or whatever. It's versatile like that. I'm excited. One down, two more pieces to go.

I'm busting out some banana nut bread on Saturday to bring to my Aunt and Uncle's place for Easter snacking. It's the really good recipe, the one that belonged to my Maw Maw. Have I shared that recipe yet? Really? I thought I had? Hrm, maybe that will be forthcoming this weekend. It involves butter-flavored Crisco, so you know it has to be good.

Last year I was at another Aunt and Uncle's house for Easter, and we had my grandmother's pound cake. Yeah. That was a good day. A really good day.

Get excited

2009-04-07T13:09:00.003-05:00

Yay. I whole-heartedly agree. Go forth.

Spotted on 20x200 today. Design by Matt Jones benefiting Creative Commons.

Album of the week this week is Blind Pilot. It's one I've been poking at for the last couple of months but only just got into it full throttle now (Andrew, Neko, and others have been postponing).

This morning on NPR, I heard that a good bit of the album was written in Astoria, Oregon, which made me think immediately of the post Alicia wrote all about Astoria, and how mystical and lovely and eerily evocative it is. Suddenly the album made perfect sense. Enjoy! And I'll get back to doing research on boring stuff I no longer care about. Yaaaay...?

Deep thoughts

2009-04-01T13:28:00.005-05:00

Once upon a time, I expounded at length (in a former iteration of this blog) about my favorite Henry David Thoreau quote:

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success in unexpected and uncommon hours."

Yeah, it's one of several of his that I like. I'm a fan. At lunch today, while listening to NPR, I heard a few bits of an interview with Robert Sullivan, author of a new book on Mr. Thoreau. He commented that in Thoreau's time, the word "career" didn't exist. One didn't build a "career" in those days, they built a "life."

So while revisiting this quote, I realized that I read it as "career" in place of "life/dreams," (as in, in my own life, my career = my dreams) which is sad, and sucks, and wasn't what Thoreau intended. Therefore:

1. As Mr. Sullivan suggests, I too shall try to avoid using the word "career" and focusing on building one, but instead on building a life.
and
2. In that context, I still love this quote the mostest, and will be applying it in a new way to my own endeavors. Yay!

Considering the current state of the economy and, for you magazine folk, the media industry, I think we should all focus on this. That is all.

Pretty picture:

More songs and soup

2009-03-26T22:30:00.005-05:00

Right now (and pretty much all week), I am listening to this song, from this album.

Pls forgive cheesy slide show above, as there appears to be no "official" video and I'm just looking to share the song. The alternative was a slide show with pictures of leaves and flowers and crap like that.

I am way behind the curve on this album, which I acknowledge, but I hadn't really had an urge to look into it, having heard maybe one song on the radio before, which didn't really grab me. But then I heard the above song when I was in Austin a couple weeks ago (thanks KGSR, I miss ya), and just loved it. Acquired the album (we won't say how, ahem) and now can't stop listening to it. Lovely lovely.

Since writing this is taking away from my sleepy time, I'll get right to a recipe I've been meaning to post for a long time. I've officially now made it more times than I can count, which means it's the bees knees and you should have it. It uses a lot of stuff I almost always keep in my pantry, and it also employs my stick blender, which I find to be so helpful in the kitchen that I've considered marrying it.

Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Soup (from an old issue of Martha)

3 garlic cloves, minced
3 dried hot red chiles, chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (obvs I do the latter here)
1 teaspoon ground coriander (I leave this out. Certainly if you have coriander, you should add it, but I don't use it for any other cooking, and it's expensive, so I don't bother. But at 1 teaspoon, that would affect the flavor a lot. Hrm. If you end up using it, let me know how it turns out.)
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/8 teaspoon caraway seeds
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups crushed canned tomatoes, with juice
1/2 cup drained jarred roasted red peppers, rinsed
3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
sour cream, for serving (I don't bother with this, but I DO have to have bread on hand when I eat it. Ideally a loaf of crusty french bread or rosemary flat bread. It helps cut the spicy.)

Using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon, crush garlic, chiles, coriander, salt, and caraway to form a paste.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic mixture, and cook until just softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and stock. Simmer, stirring often, for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Working in batches, puree soup in a blender (or use an immersion blender, like I do). Top bowls with a dollop of sour cream (if you want - again I don't bother).

My Aunt Cynthia will recognize that version of the recipe as I just copied and pasted it from an email I sent to her. Ha! Yeah, I'm tired.

Update, briefly

2009-03-20T10:58:00.001-05:00

1. I'm currently listening to this song:

2. I caved on the Wayfarers.

3. I managed to scrape even more paint off bumper. Makes repairing it seem less appealing if I am such a putz. (Although to my credit, it appears antique store employees did this while trying to cram chair into trunk in Round Rock last weekend. End result: FAIL. I returned home sans chair.)

4. I am seeing Andrew Bird this Sunday. I will tell him you said hello.

5. It is nearly spring and snowing in New York, which reminds me that this is the time of year when the winter depression would hit me the hardest up there. High today in Dallas = 72. WIN.

6. I got my FSA card for vision expenses, so will probably order contacts next week.

7. I want to go to this concert but don't have the vacation time. Why on a Tuesday? Why why??

8. I am participating in first March Madness college basketball bracket with coworkers. Suddenly understand what all the fuss is about. Of note, Barack Obama and I both have UNC as winner of championship. So if I lose, I will be in excellent company.

9. I am working on this baby hoodie for one of my many pregnant friends. Obvs with different color scheme. Just say no to hot pink for babies. They have sensitive eyes.

10. Starting to get some photos from Chicago up! Swing night at the Green Mill was fabulous.

Now if only could finish writing the story. On that note.. back to work!!

Economic postponements

2009-03-12T10:13:00.007-05:00

Does anyone else really dig David Wessel (or am I the only dork here)? He's the economics editor for The Wall Street Journal, but my exposure to him comes via NPR, where he's a frequent guest to talk about economic issues. When he does this, two things happen: a) my eyes don't glaze over and b) I understand what he's saying. Which is remarkable. (I struggled with economics in high school and made a point of taking the class in community college so it wouldn't screw up my GPA at A&M. I'm just that confused by it.)

This morning's story was another example of his skillz. The question was "Are Americans Saving More Lately?" and the answer was yes. We aren't spending as much. Which is actually really bad for the economy. That's why this stimulus plan involves the government borrowing an additional crapload of money so that it can spend on our behalf. Because somebody has to, or the economy just won't be able to recover. Make sense?

Well, maybe it still doesn't, but while listening to that story, this momentary thought flitted through my brain: "Maybe I need to go spend some money to help the economy! Yes, that's it!" Not really, since I don't have any, but my heart is in it. Clearly. You should see my wish list. Let's begin:

-Furniture. I need some, something awful. But I'm looking for antiques and trying to be picky and find stuff I really like. Investments, you know? My prized piece is my desk, a Danish mid-century modern beauty I got while I was living in Astoria.

Here's CJ lying on it, because I grab any opportunity to include photos of my cat in my blog. Naturally. I'd love to find a dresser and a credenza in the same style. Actually finding this is quite simple. Finding them in my price range is the tough part. It just might not happen, as the prices are way inflated these days. But I'm looking.

Also a pie safe or something similar for the kitchen. This'll probably be a little more "shabby chic" style. Maybe something like this:

Oh swoon. I'm a regular visitor to Lula B's and I'm heading to Round Top in early April in pursuit of these. Fingers crossed. Why this sudden push? I'm finally in an apartment that could fit some new pieces. And I'd love to get rid of some of the old IKEA stuff I have around that I'm really tired of looking at.

-A new pair of black pumps. My old pointy-toe pair from Nine West have been repaired and sustained for as long as possible, and they're officially done for. I have a couple coupons from DSW, so these'll probably be purchased soon. I hope.

-Repairing Frederick's bumper. It's this exact spot, but on the right side, not the left.

It was a little incident in a grocery store parking lot that got it all scraped up, and it's really not a big deal, but he's only a year old. And it just distresses me that it's there, every time I see it. It just needs to be buffed real good and repainted, but I'm sure it'll cost a fortune. So it waits.

-Some tests my doctors would like me to have done. Because my health insurance is so bad, these have to come out of my own pocket, and they're hundreds of dollars a pop. So they're on the back burner too. So many things about this is wrong.

-Contacts. I'm out. But because of my insurance (see above), I'm having to wait on this too. Maybe soon though. On that note, I need new glasses as well - my current pair is 7 years old. Oof. Also, without contacts, the next item is sorta moot. So yeah.

-A pair of Wayfarers.

After my Target Wayfarer ripoff sunglasses broke several months ago, I even tried super-gluing them back together. That worked for about a week and then snap! they broke again. I have priced and researched getting a real pair, but just can't bring myself to do it. They're not that expensive. It's just hard to justify buying them now, when so many other important things await my dollars. But I don't know. I might cave soon.

-A sock knitting class at the Shabby Sheep. A co-worker is interested in this too, so if a class starts soon that works for both our schedules, it might be hard to resist.

So that's how I'm hurting/helping the economy. Are you doing your part?

PS - I can not stop listening to the new Neko Case album. Can not. Even when I'm not physically listening to it, it's playing in my head. Constant. Love.

Stuffed up

2009-03-04T16:48:00.005-06:00

Happy spring! Well okay, still a couple weeks away or so. You wouldn't know, it's so warm here in Dallas. Just look at the hedges outside my building!

Look at all that happy new growth coming in! To celebrate the arrival of spring, I would like to has these, pls. Kthx.

Hrm, what else is new? I'm back from Chicago. I have a cold (brought back from Chicago). While there, I observed the one-year anniversary of my departure from New York. I've been gone a year. How sad. Luckily I was able to comfort myself by being in, well, Chicago. While I was standing on a train platform in the freezing cold, I could easily blur my eyes and pretend I was looking out over Astoria. Indeed I could.

Despite being a cold, cloudy, miserable several days weather-wise, I liked the windy city v. much. Just like New York but a good bit friendlier. And the hot dogs, oh, the hot dogs. In fact, they could have themselves a new citizen, but there's this whole winter problem that I wouldn't be able to handle. Winters up there are much worse than the ones in New York, and I could barely handle those. So they should really look into fixing that. Set the whole city up in a bubble half the year or something.

Oh, did you see I finally finished my Santa Lucia dolls? From the kit I bought from Alicia nearly a year and a half ago? Aren't they fine?

They're meant for the holiday season, but I work slow. I wish I had more time to make things like that. It was loads of fun. Especially painting their little faces. I hadn't picked up a paint brush, save to paint a wall or piece of furniture, since my high school art class days. Not too bad I think. Although the mouths on a few of them are a little shaky. Do you remember Phil Hartman on SNL dressed up as the German cross-dresser on the dating game show, with red lipstick smeared all over his face? I feel like that's a little of what happened here. They are girls though. Maybe they're not experts with the lipstick just yet.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm due to go blow my nose for the 983492837th time today.

Aced it again

2009-02-23T13:38:00.003-06:00

Getting much better buzz from the fashion critics this time, compared to the Golden Globes outfit (which I loved). Needless to say, Marisa Tomei doesn't need me defending her this time around, but I'm still blogging about it because this was my favorite dress of the night.

I'm not usually a Versace fan, but this was swoon-worthy. And think of the work that went into making those pleats! Dang.

Belgium is pretty

2009-02-21T17:59:00.003-06:00

Finally finished editing all my photos from Belgium and thought I'd do a quick post to share a few favorites. I've got a list of other stuff I want to blog about but geeze is ~~life~~ work keeping me busy these days. Yes still. It's a problem. I'm looking into it.

First things first, CJ is a-ok. Thanks for the positive thoughts and well wishes and such. The anesthesia was indeed risky and they had a close call, but they made the proper adjustments and he pulled through just fine. He's got a little shaved spot on his leg where the IV was and he smells like a dentist's office, but aside from that, he seems to be doing well. I'll be even more excited when his pupils return to normal size and the funny smells go away.

Here he is earlier today, back in his usual window post. Must send out my most sincere thanks to Metro Paws Animal Hospital in the Lakewood area of Dallas. They were really fabulous and very kind and I'm so glad I've found a good vet here, since the next few years will probably be pretty bumpy with CJ getting so old and such. They had a chart up in the office so you can calculate your pet's age in people years (it's a little more complicated than just multiplying by 7) and CJ is 80! He's like a grandpa. My own little grandpa. Yay!

Okay, so onto Belgium. Which is just in time, as I plan to take lots of photos of Chicago when I'm there later this week, at which point I'll again be behind in photo editing. Sigh.

Of course any photo of my niece Suzy is a winner. Here she is with her dad on the train to Bruges.

And this was taken in Bruges itself, in a church. Have you ever seen that movie In Bruges? As I was walking around there, I couldn't help but hear Colin Farrell in my head saying "Fawken Bruuuges!" like he does through the whole movie. By the way, be forewarned if you watch that video I linked to there, it's a crapload of curse words and funnier if you've seen the movie itself, so you might want to just take my word for it..

Taken on the Rue de Bouchers, the restaurant row of sorts in Brussels. Mom and I had moules et frites (that's mussels and fries) at a place near where I shot this.

That's Mom and me in a mirrored Christmas tree, near the Grand Place in Brussels. I think I might have taken this the day I flew in? Yep, I did. Christmas day.

This one was on the front steps of the Bourse, a few blocks from the Grand Place.

And this one was taken in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts - just a cool find in a stairwell.

Taken from the top of the Musical Instrument Museum. I love how the old rooftop frames the hazy skyline.

And this one, of mom poking her head out of her building, is really cool. Her apartment was just an absolute perfect location for setting out on foot daily to explore the city. Thanks for putting us up, mom!

Single Awareness

2009-02-14T19:40:00.005-06:00

Norts? Really? I think the jury's still out on Liz Lemon's new exclamation of choice. I'm not sure I could drop this one into everyday conversation without getting a weird look. Though I did get two uses of "I want to go to there" in this week. The first in response to a Braum's commercial on the radio, in which they described in great detail the building of a sundae that was on sale, and the other in response to receiving a card in the mail at work advertising the Seattle Cheese Festival. Both in response to food, natch.

As you can see here, I have an "old" TV. So I guess the big analog to digital thing got bumped back. But I'm not sure a little box is going to solve all my problems. Since all the shows are now filming in HD, I'm frequently noticing something akin to watching a "pan-and-scan" movie. As in, faces are being cut off on the edges of the screen, etc. It's really pissing me off, frankly. I mean, really, who can afford these HDTVs right now? Sure some of ya got some money and can get fancy TVs right now, but I am quite happy with my 2002-era TV and I got no plans to upgrade any time soon. So either letter-box my TV shows or stop filming with the assumption that everyone's screen is that wide. Cos mine ain't. Dang.

Yup, just another Single Awareness Day with my FIV-positive kitty cat, blogging, making baked goods (scones), and watching Tropic Thunder. What's that? Yep, that's right. I found out this week that CJ has FIV.

For those that don't know much about it, it's very similar to HIV in that it's an immunodeficiency disease. Most of the cats that get it are either born with it or get it from being bitten or scratched by another cat with FIV. Which is probably how CJ got it, since he spent the first 8 years or so of his life as an indoor-outdoor cat. This was while I was a teenager and during college, when he still lived at home with my mom. We always had indoor-outdoor cats so I didn't think much about it. Since that time I've learned enough about the dangers of letting cats roam outdoors to want all future cats I own to be indoors only, as CJ is now. Not only does it increase their life expectancy, it protects them from things like FIV, cars, and sickos who do mean things to animals. So if you can, keep your kitties indoors.

As for CJ, since he's probably had this for at least 8 years or so, not much is changing. He still seems to be doing well. We're getting his teeth cleaned up, since gum disease is a big risk with FIV positive kitties, and his teeth are pretty atrocious. This might also be part of why he's lost so much weight, so I hope getting his teeth back in shape might help increase his appetite. Keep him in mind this Friday, if you're so inclined. Anaesthesia is always risky with senior cats.

In other news, I'm eagerly awaiting Liz's new strap. Caro of Splityarn made it for me from some fabric I had stashed away. Isn't it cute? She took a photo of it, and it's better than any one I could take, so I'm borrowing it here.

Caro makes lots of cute camera straps and little bags and pouches and such. She does custom orders too and she's great to work with. So if you've been thinking your camera's strap could use some jazzing up, go check out her shop. I know she's planning to update it soon with lots of cute new straps - she does little ones for point-and-shoot cameras too.

I'll have my new strap and Liz in tow when I hit Chicago in t-minus 1.5 weeks. My choice for seeing Chi-town for the first time would not have been February, but this is work related, so it's out of my control. And it's free, so, you know. Also, between the Hudson River incident and Buffalo, I am less than excited to get on a plane these days. The one other time I've set foot in Chicago was when I was changing planes there on the way to New York once. It was the scariest landing ever as the wind was just yanking the plane all over the place. I think we had to do several attempts to get her down. You remember that Nicole? Yikes. Anyway, if you've got Chicago tips to share (favorite places to get some chow, cute but not insanely expensive shops, etc.), please do let me know. I'll be working but I'm hoping to squeeze in some fun-time stuff too.

So, happy Single Awareness Day to all my Single Ladies. And Happy Valentine's Day to you coupled-off folks. I'm off to hit that half-gallon of Blue Bell that was on sale at Kroger today. Rawk.

On language and stress

2009-02-06T10:29:00.007-06:00

Gotta get my 30 Rock geek-out down here. I loved it last night. Most notably Liz Lemon responding to a cake-baking Jon Hamm as most any woman would: "I want to go to there." I am pretty much obsessed with this line, which you might remember also being spoken in the high school reunion episode as Liz's response to the offer of an Outback Steakhouse gift certificate.

From this site:
In addition to "I will put my mouth on his mouth" (with Tina Fey emphasizing "mouth" both times, which makes it read even funnier), we also witnessed the return of "I want to go to there," uttered after Drew apologizes for smelling like frosting on account of all the baking he's been doing. Fey has credited the line to her daughter Alice, and to my ear, it is pretty much never not funny.

Small children should be the source of all great comedic lines - especially when they are being used by 38-year-old women. Genius. My other favorite Liz-isms include "Blerg!" (which had a falling off this season but featured more prominently in previous seasons). And another favorite from the high school reunion episode is the insult "jag-weed," which I can only presume is the artful combination of "jagoff" and "dillweed." I plan to sub this in for my all-too-frequent use these days of "douche-bag" (which I'm blaming Jon Stewart for), and which I read once should really not be used too lightly and really be reserved for true a-holes and I agree, so on that note will try to work in "jag-weed" more often instead.

PS - My apologies to my family for that last paragraph.

Another highlight in my week? Discovering my new Jack Purcells in the new J. Crew catalog as the "it" sneaker for spring. Cos I worship it and desperately want to be dressed exactly like everyone in it, so am apparently well on my way with my new shoes.

Also discovering the new Bird and the Bee album, via LaLa. More new music, yay! I'm not sure that the whole album is genius or anything, but the first handful of songs are so addictively good as to have been on constant repeat for three days or so now. Here's the duo on Jay Leno (not the coolest venue but whatev), with a stellar backup of go-go girls.

I feel like the blog is sorta lacking these days but work has just been keeping me so busy. Plus am still editing photos from Belgium because all I want to do when I get home lately is zone out staring at the TV or work on ripple blanket as way of relieving stress from the day, and the evenings are when I'd typically be editing photos or blogging and, so, yeah.

And I got my apartment so sparkly clean and pretty last weekend and now feel it is total disaster again as cat has been dispersing litter and barf all over it and also was running late this morning and was getting into shower and large roach was waiting on shower curtain, which was incredibly uncool and upsetting. It's bad when the majority of words uttered in your day by the time you get to work are f*ck. As is my typical response to oversleeping and finding giant roach on shower curtain.

Okay, better get back to work cos, yeah, there's a lot to do. Later jag-offs!

When crafts attack

2009-02-01T16:23:00.003-06:00

When crafts attack your coffee table, it might end up looking a bit like this.

Don't be afraid. The carnage is not as bad as it looks. Also you can click on the photo to get a breakdown of what all is going on there. It's a lot. I'm proud to say that today my coffee table is much improved, if not totally clear of the stuff. I did a big clean-up yesterday--mostly focused on cleaning the floors but everything got a little bit of tidying up. I love hardwoods, but damn, when it comes time to clean 'em, it's a pain. Swiffer to the rescue.

Now that all the holiday gifts are done, and baby gifts are almost done (next one's due in April, so I've got a short break), I was so very happy to bust out my ripple blanket again. I fully expected it to take a long time, so I don't rush it, and I set it aside when I need to. I love how it's always there, waiting in the wings for when I return. Plus it keeps my lap warm while I work. CJ loves it too.

I took that photo in Austin back when I was about to stop working on it for awhile, so it hasn't grown much since then. Just a few rows.. No rush, it seems to say.

This week at work has been keeping me so very busy. I hope that works in my favor when the layoffs come. If they come. When they come. Do we get to say "if" anymore in magazines? I still think one layoff per recession per person should be enough, and I've already gotten mine, so if I get another one, it just means the universe is out to get me.

Didn't have much time to browse the blogs, but I did get terribly addicted to this song. I think I'm a year behind on the Bon Iver bandwagon fun-times, but it is a lovely album, and "Flume" in particular, and it suits this time of year so much. Also it doesn't make much sense lyrics-wise, which I take no issue with, so long as the sound of the words and the music work together well. I think this is the primary idea behind Mr. Bird as well, which Paste magazine clearly didn't get.

Here's a choice snippet from their review:
"You might start by looking up the word radiolarian. The dictionary says it’s a protozoan. So you look up protozoan and learn that it’s a eukaryote. Before you know it you’re looking up organelle and cytoplasm and eventually end up with the word cell—you’re pretty sure that radiolarian isn’t a fancy way of saying cell, but you’re kind of pissed off that a lyric sent you on such a goose chase, plus, now you feel stupid and don’t even care what the word means anymore."

Dude. Why are you even stopping to look up the words anyway? I'm not against looking up words. I'm all for expanding the vocabulary. But if you gotta understand every word out of his mouth to enjoy the music, then Andrew Bird's just not for you. Do yourself a favor, put down the dictionary, and just listen, mmmkay? Geeze. These music reviewers today.

Oh, and also, today is this beautiful girl's birthday (seen here with her mom).

She's 8!! WTF, when did that happen? Oh my gosh, so big. Pls stop growing. Also, am sorry prezzie from your aunt is late. Should be arriving any day now I hope.

Farewell Mr. Potter

2009-01-23T20:25:00.006-06:00

Did anyone else make this connection?

Surely I wasn't the only one. Or maybe I've just seen It's a Wonderful Life too many times. Yeah, maybe that's it.

My other takeaway from the inauguration fun times (aside from the fact that the whole day felt like the opening sequence to Sesame Street), is this groovy scarf that some muckety-muck was wearing on TV.

Isn't it cute? Sorta like a ripple blanket except long and narrow. And I like how it's striped but then there's a little surprise color at the end. Maybe I'll make one for next winter (tho in different colors). My one new scarf for the year. Because I have about 98273498 scarves already. Although this one is also in the running. But they're so different... Maybe I'll do both.

Yup, work on Tuesday was weird, hard to concentrate, and full of never-ending little thrills. Like hearing "President Obama" for the first time (and pretty much every time since). I feel like I'm living in some sort of alternate universe, like on 24 (except without all the carnage and torture, etc.). It still feels that otherworldly and surprising and unexpected. As if suddenly all your expectations were met. How often does that happen?

Plus, the man can bust a move. So if nothing else, we can be proud of him for that.

Is that a butt-bump he's doing there? God bless 'im.

As for my beloved friends and family who are perhaps not as excited about this as I am (not that you're not excited about a black president - we get it, you're not racist), I'm going to say this, and then we'll just agree to disagree and let it be. I hope, I really do, that you never feel half as alienated as I have at times during the past 6 or so years (the first two weren't that bad I guess). I hope you never feel as though a great portion of the country hates you and is out to take away your rights and those of your friends, and I hope your leader who you put your faith in never condescends to you and disappoints you at nearly every turn. All ribbing aside: it's a terrible feeling. Truly. So, I hope you never feel that. Because despite our opposing viewpoints, I do love you guys - you crazy, conservatives you! (Smooch!)

Oh, and before I go, I just want to say how excited I was to find out I won this book in the Holiday Kal-Cal this year! This was my first holidays to be a "crocheter/knitter" and I had lots of plans to make handmade gifts for friends and family. The Kal-Cal (that's knit-a-long-crochet-a-long for you yarn newbs) was a great way to keep track of those plans and share the results. I'll definitely do it again next year!

A few of the things I made for the holidays:

A crochet shawl for mom (pattern from here).

An LSU scarf for Mary Laura (though they had a crap-ass season, but there's always next year).

A washcloth for my sister-in-law (part of a set of four).

If you're on Ravelry (and you're into that sorta thing - that being all things yarn), I'm mandat on there. Making gifts by hand rocks. Speaking of, I better get back to that baby hat, ASAP. The babies, they just keep-a-comin'!

Seven years later

2009-01-18T14:10:00.004-06:00

While editing photos from my trip to Belgium, I was inspired to go dig out this photo of my niece Mary on my brother's shoulders, taken at the end of December 2001.

She used to love sitting on his shoulders, and he'd lean forward ever-so-slightly and she'd squeal and just go into fits of laughter. We were endlessly amused by this.

What reminded me of it? Well, this one, taken at the end of December 2008. Here is my niece Suzanna on my brother's shoulders.

Between his now three children and the countless moves in those seven years since, the poor fellow has lost even more of his hair. But that's what being a daddy does to you. Especially a daddy of such high caliber as he is.

Mary and Suzy's birthdays are only about 2-3 weeks apart so they are very near the same age in these photos. I love that.

Liking Lately

2009-01-16T09:22:00.004-06:00

-The part of the new Andrew Bird album where he goes "holdonjustaseconddon'ttellmethisoneyouknow i know this one i know this song i know this one i love this song.." That's in "Anonanimal" for those of you keeping track.

-Being in Texas in the winter.

-The first 19 seconds of "Creator" by Santogold. This is an old favorite but I heard it again the other day and remembered how much I loves it. (You should hear me try to sing along with it.)

-Sally Hawkins. I haven't seen Happy-Go-Lucky yet but I loved her as Anne Elliot in Persuasion and her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes was adorable. What a doll.

-Belgian liege waffles. Although I had to leave them behind in Belgium. But I dream of them still. Plan is to find a recipe so I can reproduce in my own kitchen.

-My new white Jack Purcells. But I seriously need to go kick some dirt around with 'em or something. They are TOO bright.

-The return of Friday Night Lights tonight. Yippee skippee! Is it wrong I sorta want to marry Coach Taylor? I mean, I know he's fictional and all..

-This video of a monkey sneezing:

Thank you David Letterman!!

To her defense

2009-01-12T10:47:00.004-06:00

It's being called a "clunker," raiding of grandmother's closet, "pirate-inspired," etc. but for some reason I kinda liked Marisa Tomei's outfit at last night's Golden Globes. Am I nuts? Okay, I could do without the ruffled sleeves, but otherwise I think it's lovely.

This is probably because I have a thing for Oscar de la Renta. And Marisa Tomei.

Fleas and things

2009-01-11T12:50:00.005-06:00

I bought these old bottle labels at the Sablon antiques market with no clear idea what to do with them other than that I liked the colors and sorta felt like they went well together.

The man who sold them to me told me I had good taste and thought I was Italian. I think that's a compliment..? He's like Grazie! and I was like Merci! and then we're both like Huh?

It was damn cold that day. The worst day I think. Which was really awful for me because I could have spent all day perusing those booths. As it went, I only bought these labels and a button card. My brother and his family had already gone back to the apartment, but mom toughed it out with me. She loves antiques as much as I do. Though by the end she was pleading with me to just pick out the labels I wanted already so we could get home. Brrr.

So, any ideas for the labels? Other than just framing them? How could I do it creatively? Maybe a shadow box-type deal?

Meanwhile, I've gotten through editing and posting day one of the photos from the trip and am now working on day two. I need a break.

Here's the Grand Place on Christmas Day. I was so jet lagged. But mom was good and knew to get me out and walking around a bit so I didn't crash too early and then wake up at 3 am ready to tackle the day or something to that effect. It worked, for the most part. Jet lag is no fun at all.

Anyway, as I get the days' worth of photos edited, I'll upload them to my flickr. Not sure how many of them I'll put on here so you can just check over there from time to time. I took some pictures of the nieces and nephew too. They are just silly cute. Speaking of...

Yeah so apparently CJ has fleas. WTF? I only noticed them when I got back from Belgium. They weren't there before. He doesn't go outside. So what gives? So I'll probably buy some flea meds on Monday or Tuesday. He's not itching or anything. You can just see the evidence that they're there. Gross. I spent like 20 minutes at Petsmart yesterday looking at cat shampoos but didn't buy any. Perhaps because CJ would not stand to be bathed. But it's a fantasy I have, to make his coat soft and clean and fluffy again, like when he was young. Much like old people, old cats don't do so well with the hygiene (he looks great in that photo, but once you get past the shoulder blades, things go downhill). And this week I found myself wistfully staring at a photo of him that was taken when he was about 1 yr old and marveling at his fur. Maybe I can talk him into it.

As for the Christmas tree report, yes, it is still up. No, I still don't want to take it down. Perhaps am living in denial?

The Bird bandwagon

2009-01-06T22:19:00.005-06:00

How did I miss this? From Bakerella (via Lazy Life):

Yes those are cupcakes. OMG. Things I love about this:

1. I love cupcakes.
2. I love polar bears.
3. I love those coke bottle gummies.
4. I really like Coke.
5. I love the Coca-Cola Polar Bears.

Click on the photo to see more pictures and how she made 'em and the recipe, etc. Love.

Yes I am back from Belgium. It was cold but beautiful and the waffles and frites were just as dreamy as I suspected they'd be. I also had an awesome time on my honeymoon with Liz. I never made it all the way through the users manual and just threw caution to the wind and started snapping photos aplenty. Eventually I'll get them all up on Flickr. I'm terribly slow with that stuff.

Of course I am now behind at work. Very much so. But that didn't stop me from listening to a stream of Andrew Bird's new album online and otherwise obsessing about him during the day. I had an opportunity to get a burned copy of the CD for free from a co-worker, but I love him enough that I want to give him my money. I got no issues with it. So I'll wait. I wanna buy the deluxe version too with the instrumental CD. Can't wait to see him in March. Helloooo! Swoon.

This photo is by the wonderful Brandi. She took it (along with many others) at a recent secret set he did in Chicago. She took some awesome photos of Jeff Tweedy fairly recently as well, and I am just terribly jealous of her proximity to these two photo subjects. Also, she was in Grant Park the night Obama was elected and took a bunch of really cool photos there. More jealous. Times like these I think, Hrm, maybe I might like living in Chicago and then it's like Oh, the high there on Saturday is going to be 19? Okay nevermind.

Looks like Neko Case has a new album coming out too. I just watched the little video about it on Amazon and it looks amazing as well. This spring is going to be the best! Well, music-wise anyway. Yippee!

My, she was yar.

2008-12-23T11:54:00.004-06:00

The squirrels thoughtfully packed my Christmas present in my aloe plant before I left Austin. That's right, 7 weeks after leaving, I found a little tree growing from a buried nut in the pot. Thanks you little f'ers.

Work is useless for me today. All I can think about is this:

Yipee skippee! Xmas morning I land in Brussels for a nice long visit with mom, plus my brother and his family, who are also flying in for the holiday. Am very much looking forward to seeing Belgium, which, according to Eddie Izzard, God created on the first day. Oh how I adore you, Eddie.

I plan to take countless pictures of my nieces and nephew, who are arguably the cutest kids on earth. Might take some of Belgium too. And frites. Gotta buy some chocolate for all who requested it. I'm not a big chocolate freak to be honest. Not unless it's in a brownie or something. But the frites and waffles, I will fall prey to immediately.

And I'll have Liz in tow. Meet Liz!

She's my Christmas present to myself this year. Donations are being accepted to pay off my credit card. Clearly I don't have funds to buy a digital SLR right now, but I'd decided long ago that I wanted to get one soon. And when the Belgium trip got booked, I knew I needed it before I left. So I researched and watched the sales and pondered and polled. In the end, lowest price trumped all other factors and I got the Nikon D40. I'm looking forward to learning what all its buttons do (there are a lot more than are on my old Pani). Speaking of my Panisonic, it's not retiring forever. It is a good, sweet, if slightly temperamental camera and has served me unbelievably well. Most important, it is with it that I discovered how much I love photography, and through it that I documented New York. Yes dear, we'll always have New York.

As for Liz, she's a good bit heavier, and makes me feel very fancy and professional. And not named for who you probably think she's named for (ahem Liz Lemon). I do love Lemon, but the Nikon is actually named for Liz Imbrie from The Philadelphia Story, one of my favorite movies. She was the photographer and straight gal to Jimmy Stewart's reporter.

Here she is meeting Tracy (Katherine Hepburn). God I love that movie. It's genius. I've got this odd habit of naming electronics for characters from old movies. I've already used Bailey and Devlin for computers. And the iPods have an exclusive contract with To Kill A Mockingbird (hello Atticus, Scout and Scout 2).

Anyway, turns out a Christmas tree is a perfect thing to have around when experimenting with an SLR for the first time. All those bits and baubles to practice zooming and focusing on.

Cats too, it seems.

Office is closing early today - hooray! Better scurry so I can get everything done. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, and I'll see you in '09!

Dining out is fun

2008-12-19T14:09:00.006-06:00

Some of you might be familiar with this magazine (which shall remain unnamed because I used to work there). Their December issue had a huge round-up on small town cafes that I was fortunate enough to contribute to. I use fortunate loosely. It might sound like great fun to eat at 17 cafes in 3 days, but trust me when I say it gets old very quickly. Plus there's a lot of bad food out there.

I brought along my friend E, who grew up in a small town eating good, traditional cafe-style food. She had an astoundingly accurate radar for fake mashed potatoes and high standards for her chicken fried steak, and great skills at chatting up strangers, which was a huge help while I was feverishly snapping pictures or taking notes in a corner.

Our zone was south east Texas. Specifically from just north of Beaumont up to highway 21 and from the Louisiana border west to highway 59. It was hot and we were in a rented Suzuki that was of such poor quality of workmanship that we repeatedly checked the model year and mileage in disbelief that it was not much older or more well-traveled. My apologies if you own one.

E took that one of me. Since logistically it's near impossible to "eat in" at all these cafes in that amount of time, we would almost always order the food to go, jump in the car, and drive off to the next town while I would take a few bites and snap a few photos in the backseat, then carefully pass fork-fulls up to E. Again, this eating on the fly really takes away from the charm of the whole adventure.

Our first night we stayed in a roach coach, which was highly unpleasant. So on night two, we treated ourselves to a B&B in San Augustine. It was called The Columns - if you're ever in that neck of the woods, I'd recommend it.

Atmosphere was just as important as food, so finding that combination was a lot tougher than you'd expect. The answer to "Would I send one of our readers here?" was most commonly "no." A couple made the cut, though.

One in particular had that most sought-after pie case. We had such a hard time finding pies, and an even harder time finding good pies, and even harder still finding good pies that weren't purchased at Sam's (truly - we had to ask everyone if they made their own pies, and they usually didn't). And since the pie case place was also one of two to serve real mashed potatoes, and was obscenely cute to boot, it won our vote.

I was never really a fan of onion rings until this trip. Now I know I'd just never had good onion rings. If you're ever near Moss Hill, Texas, I'd recommend stopping into Simply Country Cafe. The weekends give you better odds of a wider variety of pies. The lemon meringue is heavenly. And if you're ever near Colmesneil, Texas, stop by the Burger House. I hear their onion rings are to die for.

This place was lovely and served good food, but they buy their pies. We considered this a deal breaker.

Not our hotel. Sour Lake was cute though. Anywho, it was a fun trip - quite an adventure I'd say.

Preparation is under way for last-minute holiday gatherings, cleaning and doing laundry, baking up a storm, and packing (soon) for my trip to Belgium. I leave on the 24th and am beyond excited. If only there weren't so much to be done before I go--ahh holiday stress attacks! Got Courtney's holiday mix CD in the mail yesterday and popped it straight into the car stereo. Oooh, that's better.

Pie, me oh my

2008-12-11T09:36:00.006-06:00

I don't mean to brag or nothing, but I make a pretty good pecan pie. It's a Thanksgiving standard in my family, and it's become my responsibility to make it. Every year I hope to have enough time to experiment with home-made pie crust, but it never comes together. It's always a rush and therefore the pie always ends up in a Pillsbury crust from the grocery store, which I think works fine. Plus who wants to experiment when you've got company to feed? Go with what works. Maybe someday I'll get around to finding that favorite pie crust recipe.

I think a very, very important part is having good pecans. Obvs I've made it in the past with regular ones from the store, but getting some fresh ones always helps. I can taste the difference when pecans are crap. You just know. My mom always used to order them from a place down south called Fry's. This year I picked up some from the Dallas Farmers Market and saved some money on shipping. I was told that these came from a farm somewhere near San Saba.

Anywho, chop 'em up nice and even. I like when you see all those pieces on top all perfect and pretty.

Creaming the butter, sugar, etc. is really important too. I have a handheld mixer and I keep after it for longer than one would think you need to. Basically I do it til I think it's done, then do it a little longer. Get it as smooth as you can. Then mix in the rest and lastly, swirl in those pretty pecans. Pour it in the shell and pop it in the oven. Watch it closely, and if it starts to get too dark, throw a piece of foil on top. I've got a new oven this year and it runs hot, so the pie just nearly burned. But turned out okay I think.

Be sure to get you a piece quick. These go fast. This recipe hails from my mom's side of the family - warm with a glass of milk is our pie-eating M.O. Folks at my dad's place this year started putting ice cream on it. WTF? Don't do that.

Maw Maw's Pecan Pie

In mixer (or with the hand-held joint), combine:
3 tablespoons of softened butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Beat until creamed on high.

Turn mixer to low and add:
1 cup of white syrup (karo)
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla (I like Mexican if you've got it)
1 cup of pecan pieces

Mix well. Pour into uncooked pie shell. Cook at 425 for 10 minutes, then at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure the center isn't too wobbly - keep it cookin' if it is. Yummy yum - enjoy!

The goal is to get the Christmas cards in the mail, plus packages going overseas, by Saturday. Lots of stuff to do before then - eek. Got the cards made, just need to fill em in, gather those addresses, etc. They look damn cute, if I do say so myself. And so much easier than last year's Moo card debacle.

That was a lot of work. Turn on the Christmas music and just power through it. NPR's got this lovely collection of tunes streaming online right now called Jingle Jams. I wish they'd make a CD of this. I'd buy it. KUT is one of the stations that contributed songs. Ah KUT. I miss it. Almost as much as I miss WNYC. Sam is cool in the mornings but I miss Soterius. P.S. What kind of dork ranks Morning Edition hosts?

Flashback Fridays

2008-12-05T15:36:00.004-06:00

These days, it's all washcloths, all the time. My sister-in-law is getting a stack from me as a joint Christmas/birthday present. My knitting skills are improving!

I got the pattern here - my SIL grew up in Louisiana. I've also made one with an "A" on it (for her name) and one with an apple, and plan to make one with hearts on it, and also one with an elephant, since she's currently living in Africa. Gotta hurry tho, Christmas is coming!

I used to love this movie as a kid. Seventies Disney at its best:

I think CJ needs a collar like that, don't you? Jake the cat from The Cat From Outer Space was such a badass.

Have a spiffy weekend kids. I'm off to buy a camera - merry Christmas to meeee!

Deck the bed (no holly pls)

2008-12-02T14:06:00.005-06:00

I think it's cool when people have "holiday bedding." You always see it in the catalogs -- the holiday-perfect guest room. But what's the point of that bedding if you're only going to use it one month out of the year? Must have money to burn. If I did, this would be mine:

It'd be a nice break from my simple white with blue ticking stripe quilt that's on my bed year round. In the winter I could bust out a down comforter and toss this on the bed. And the good news is all my sheets would still work with it since they're all white and blue.

Don't forget the euro sham. That's an essential. Plus it's not covered with holly berries and snow flakes and such, so it's cool if it stays on until March.

I dig the quilt too. The whole thing is the perfect mix of my color scheme but a little heavier on the red. Nothing wrong with that. I'd probably tame it down a bit with a white bedskirt and a few pastel blue throw pillows. Yeah. Oh, and all of this is John Robshaw for HSN (spotted on Elements of Style). HSN?? Um, yeah! Go figure.

Is everyone already all decorated for the holidays? I'm not there yet but I'll get there soon. I've been out of town a lot lately, and the apartment is super messy, but I'll get there. I heart the holidays. Except this is the only time of year I miss having a roommate. Decorating a tree alone is a bit of a drag.

My last roommate, ML, had a kitty who loved sleeping on my tree skirt. That's her cat Patton above. In fact all cats love sleeping on my tree skirt. I spend the holidays terrified that CJ might barf on it. I love that tree skirt. It's all knitted and has shaggy yarn trees on it. What's your favorite Christmas decoration?

Ask and ye shall receive

2008-11-21T18:37:00.005-06:00

That's right, my grand scheme is working. All this harping on polar bears has scored me some goods. Kind people are sending things my way because I have so brainwashed them that if they see anything with a polar bear on it, they think "Amanda!" Yes, yes. It is working.

Exhibit number 1: This t-shirt that Susan, one of my dear friends I left in New York, sent to me. She bought it in Union Square (where she got her "Baby Seals for Obama" shirt), and intended to have it to me by election day, but I messed everything up and moved.

It did make it to me eventually, and I continue to wear it with pride. It is the perfect souvenir of my anti-Palin rabble-rousing days during the election, all of which was done, of course, on behalf of polar bears everywhere. Thanks Soozi!

Then.. Exhibit number 2: Tonight I get home and there's a little box waiting for me, with this inside.

Oh, how I squealed. A little polar bear ornament for my tree (going up as soon as I get back from T-day with the fam) from Julia of Dozen Flours. And just earlier today I was admiring a polar bear Christmas ornament online and trying to convince myself not to buy it immediately. Now I got my wish. Thank you Julia! I suspect Miss Julia is a person who is full of so much thoughtfulness that it comes out her ears, and manifests itself in such ways as buying a gift for someone she's never met, spending days perfecting cupcakes for a baby shower, and baking endlessly for everyone she knows. What a sweetie.

The cool weather has definitely swept into Dallas these days. I'm ready for pie and green bean casserole and football. And for bundling up in hats and scarves and cozy coats and boots. Speaking of boots, you know you're scraping the barrel financially (or just really busy?) when you're using a paper clip to zip up your boots. WTF? I need to get it together.

Anyone got a recommendation for a good shoe guy here in Dallas? I don't mess around when it comes to shoe repair - I need someone who knows their stuff. Like my beloved Hector in the West Village. I miss him so much. This boot needs its zipper repaired, and my gold sandals need the tip of the heel replaced. Plus I'm sure I could rustle up some other pairs that need to be attended to.

Meanwhile, I'm really all about the gloves these days. Love the gloves. This photo from the pretty, pretty, pretty Cherry Blossom Girl blog made me desire a long pair of gray knit ones..

Luckily I found a pair just like them at Target a couple weeks ago. Now just need a furry collar and a plane ticket to Paris and I, too, could be that French and chic.

Channeling Sasha Fierce

2008-11-20T09:53:00.004-06:00

Is there any way to listen to this song without dancing to it? No really, I'm being serious. Please share your tips. Because when people walk by the cubicle and I'm doing the hand wag, it gets a little awkward.

What would the world be like without Beyonce? Really awful I think. I listen to her music and then think, "Yeah, I'm single!" and am, like, happy about it.

Dear Beyonce aka Sasha,

I heart u 4-eva.

xo,
A Single Lady

Meanwhile, as I was googling around for an image for this post (since I can't embed the video, WTF), I came across this image and felt it needed to be on my blog just for the sake of being awesome.

Happy Thursday!