Inspired Living

New Year Resolution

2009-01-19T17:30:00.002-05:00

For quite sometime now I've been wanting to build and develop my blog, so when the invitation from the purl bee came along to join their beehive I dove in.

The purl beehive is a collection of crafty blogs all hosted by squarespace and collected on a page together through the smart crafty people of Purl. You can read more about the beehive here and check out the other members by clicking the beehive on the right.

What this all boils down is a transfer of my blog posts here over to a new address: inspiredliving.squarespace.com. It looks a bit different over there and it's taken some getting used too. Squarespace has not been as easy to navigate as blogger, but in the long run I think I'll have a bit more creativity at my fingertips. Not to mention a bigger audience provided by the emmense popularity of the Purl Bee!

If you're a regular reader I hope you'll update your blog roll with the new address and follow me over there! I'm still arranging things to be how I want them, but I want to invite you anyway! Nothing's ever perfect, right? Might as well enjoy it how it is.

Once more, the new address is

inspiredliving.squarespace.com

We're not in NYC anymore Toto!!

2008-12-29T14:05:00.004-05:00

I love going home to Maine because there are actually still deals at flea markets!!! Also, very cool things...

Like these paper & glitter houses... I totally want to make some next year!

This set of military flags... (not really a steal though, it was more than $100)
I love how this dealer set up a whole table of green...
Um, the photo is tipped, but cute kitties with rhinestone eyes are always welcome in my book!

I dream of Donna

2008-12-25T20:07:00.004-05:00

Watching It's a Wonderful Life last night reminded me of my childhood obsession with Donna Reed. I watched a lot of Nick at Night back in my earlier days, preferring The Donna Reed Show, I Love Lucy, My Three Sons, and the Dick Van Dyke Show over the typical kid themed entertainment of the times. Oh they were the best!!

Someone asked once what I wanted to be when I grew up once and I quickly answered, in all honesty, "Donna Reed." I wonder if that desire, albeit utterly unattainable, has ever gone away. It seems silly for a modern girl to idealize such an old fashioned, mom-in-the-kitchen role, doesn't it? But last night as I drooled over her frosty glow and perfectly flirty persona in It's a Wonderful Life... not to mention her characters boldness, quiet strength, loyalty, caring, creativity (the cute DIY honeymoon anyone!!) and extreme patience with her seemingly cuckoo hubby George Bailey... I began to remember why I wanted to be her in the first place.

When I was a single digit, I loved her perfectly puffed skirts, high heels, frilly aprons, the plates full of cookies and that she was funny. The fact that she was a total babe didn't hurt of course!

Nowadays, I still love those things! Ain't she beautiful??

I feel I could write a whole dissertation on: fifties era female stereotypes, how after all this hard work other women have done to free me from it, I still want to be one and how that might be messed up, but might also be great...but I won't. Not tonight. It's Christmas and I want to enjoy the presents.

Procastinating

2008-12-11T23:56:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if procrastination is such a bad thing. Here are all the things I've done in the past two days, trying to avoid doing something else:

Simmered a pot roast for four hours (yum)
Knit two child sized harfs
Took a leisurely walk in the rain to get coffee & croissant
Expedition to deposit $$$ in the bank
Purchased a small Christmas tree & lugged it home
Decorated the apartment and tree for the season
Cleaned the litter box.
Flossed
Made much belated birthday card
Replied to emails from weeks ago.
Wrote a handful of Christmas cards
Emptied & loaded the dishwasher
Brushed the cats
Put a light bulb in the refrigerator which has been dark for months.
Made Potato pancakes to go with the pot roast.
Hung up the spice rack that has been waiting around for months.
Played around & tested new make up options.
Finished the first season of Mad Men

Phew. I'm tired of thinking of all the things!
Tomorrow is the day to get cracking though... right after I find the perfect holiday dress for the parties I must attend Saturday night!

Shrine

2008-12-06T13:40:00.004-05:00

Thankfully my pal Clarrissa waited till after the election to test my 08ama necklace as a ladder. Can't blame a girl for learning to walk right? Now it honorably sits next to the champagne cork from the night Obama won. (!!)

Inspired Wearing

2008-12-03T22:37:00.000-05:00

Since the second grade I've approached dressing thematically. I would wake up and think "today I want to be pretty" and put on my twirliest dress, with a slip, tights, matching hair accoutrement and let's not forget the clicking shoes! (Did anyone else beg Mom for shoes that made the loudest click-clack?) Then the next day would be totally different, perhaps "funky." I would conjure my inner Punky Brewster and bust out the acid wash skit, blue shirt & yellow suspenders. I LOVE that my mom supplied me with such ensembles. I could always tell the 'new outfit' shaped boxes under the Christmas tree and ignored the groans and eye rolls of my family as I absconded to try on outfit number 4. What a lucky, lucky girl I was! Stretch pants, vests, feather hair clips, tights, hot pink spandex, jeans patched with leather... these clothes would make today's hipster swoon, I swear.

Obviously, the outer shell has been a concern my entire life. On numerous occasions, my little eight or nine year old mind even considered making a chart to keep from wearing the same outfit more than once a month. I often wonder if this kind of vanity is a weakness and grapple with whether to admit that or not. It can often take me a really long time to get dressed. It's SO important and what if I just don't know what to wear that day!? I wish I could roll out of bed and put on the first shirt I touch... but I just can't. We're taught that it's the inner beauty that counts, which I get and am cool with, but that's not my problem. I can wear messy clothes with holes that are baggy, unflattering, mis-matching, what have you... I just have to decide to and make a "look" out of it. (I'm somewhat comforted by the fact that there are people, stylists, who do this as a career!) It's not like I'm some high fashion slave who needs the next BIG thing. I know my worth as a human being has nothing to do with what I decide to wear, I just need to feel like myself.

Some days this is easier said than done, depending on how much breakfast I've had ( I'm a terrible dresser when I'm hungry) and what my closet is filled with. If I haven't done laundry... it's gets harder. I start to pull out rarely worn items, and then feel weird all day.

One of my resolutions for this new year is to get rid of clothes that don't fit, don't feel right, or aren't unique enough. Life is too short to wear a boring collar, I think, for me at least. I'm so excited for this one, I can't even wait for 2009 to start! The other day I tossed some undies that were too small, then later, a pair that was too big . From now on, if some article of clothing bugs me... I'm getting rid of it or making it better somehow.

Inspired by my friend Cal's crochet tutorials and mission to wear something handmade everyday, I decided to do my first fix up job. Now, it's just and old JCrew 'normal' sweater I've had it since I moved to NY in 2003. Despite it's being super warm and functional, it's not really that cute. Yet, I still find myself wearing it again and again all winter and it never feels quite right.

The answer to your question is..... "Yes"
I did just cut some new "Lego Bangs."

As for your other question, Yes.
I am aware that my room is one doily away from a the "Granny Chachka Museum" award.
Thanks for noticing. It's been hard work.

Christmasy Stuff

2008-12-01T16:48:00.004-05:00

Styrofoam cones covered in lace etc...

Sewing themed wrapping jobs...

The pattern for these knitted trees will be available soon!

Not quite finished version...

Wrapping kits!!!!! Available at the next Flea market!!!!!!!!

I'm especially good at making messes

2008-11-30T11:11:00.002-05:00

The scene at my house yesterday:

Can you find:

Glue gun
Box of crochet doilies
Pinking shears
Knit alphabet block with the letter "I" on it
Angela Lansbury

Inspired decision?

2008-11-30T09:23:00.004-05:00

So it's flea market day in Brooklyn and I'm sitting at home wrapped in a blanket instead. Why would I do this, especially after spending the entire day yesterday making new stuff for my table? Please see the drips at right:

It's 37 degrees and raining here and I just couldn't bring myself to go out there! I can handle cold no problem and I can certainly handle rain in the summer when having a stranger see your skivvies through a soaked summer frock is the worst that can happen. (Next to water damaged wares of course.) But cold November rain? No thanks.

The thought of my bare fingers, or worse, rain soaked gloved fingers, folding up icy table cloths into wet bags at the end of the day = ICK. The thought of dragging all the wet stuff home to hang dry in my apartment = DOUBLE ICK. The thought of standing in my tent all day, shivering, weakening my immune system for days afterward= TRIPLE ICK. The thought of paying $$ to do all this and most likely not make a sale = SILLY. So I'm thinking that my decision to stay home= SMART, despite the fact that I'm out my booth fee. After all, I still have to pay whether I show up or not.

Of course, there's always the chance that I could have made bank today. You never know with Flea Markets. There was one drippy day in September when I actually sold more than a bright summer day! Maybe I should have toughed it out. At least then there would have been a chance of making some money back. Whereas here, at home, in my blanket, I'm 100% unlikely to make a sale.

I've already made my decision though, so I just have to make the best of this day. It's a rare and unexpected opportunity to get ahead of the game! What should I do??

Deal with my HUGE pile of Laundry?
Make stuff so I'll have even more next week?
Make up for my lack of November blog posts and blog all day?
Bake cookies so the oven will heat up my apartment? (My heat is not working, another reason I'm too cold to go out there!!)
Organize my computer files?
Wash the floors?
Trim my bangs?
Drink tea and watch a movie? (knitting of course)
Call my mom? (Check)
Organize my receipts and get ready for taxes?

Pumpkin ROund up

2008-11-08T12:04:00.003-05:00

Check out these awesome pumpkins in Clinton Hill! They always get so into it over there. Makes me want a city yard, with lots of people walking by on Halloween!

Princess Leia was giving out the candy at this house. Hello storm trooper pumpkin! How rad!

One of these things is not like the other...

2008-11-08T11:37:00.004-05:00

One of these things just doesn't belong.

Of course she does!! Just not in the laundry cycle!

HUH?

2008-11-08T10:45:00.003-05:00

Lately, it seems I've been too busy even to eat a semi-proper meal. (Although I did splurge the other night and go here! Probably the best dinner ever!) I've felt too tired to upload photos or construct a thought. Sad.

The thing is, in order to have periods of Inspired Living, one must have times of uninspired living, right? It's not even like my days are that uninspired, they just don't have the extra hour or two here and there to log in and type about it. I'm still making and knitting away getting ready for Christmas time at the Flea and developing a few new patterns for Blue Sky.

What I've mostly been doing though is preparing for a dance performance in LA:

HUH?

Santa Monica Museum of Art
Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15, 2008
7 pm
$15, $10 for SMMoA members
Seating is limited. First come, first seated.

Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com

Choreographer Melinda Ring and dancers Kimberly Hamlin and Sari Nordman
take over Martin Kersels’ sculpture “Rickety”. As one moody individual
portrayed by three people, they navigate the sculpture’s split levels
and awkward spaces with a mysterious group mind to the accompaniment
of a ticking clock and other ambient sounds.

This performance is in conjunction with the exhibition "Martin Kersels:
Heavyweight Champion" on view at the Santa Monica Museum of Art
from September 13 to December 13, 2008.

Santa Monica Museum of Art
Bergamot Station G1
2525 Michigan Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90404
www.smmoa.org

I like getting to be a dancer and fly to places to perform. (Actually, this is the first time I'm doing it, but it seems like a cool thing!) In order to be a better dancer I have to take a break from the feverish making of things and relax more. I'd love to think it was a conscious plan, but the truth is, when I get home I'm tired and don't have enough mind focus to come up with new ideas. So, in order to retain a little bit of productivity, I'll sit and work on a harf for a while and that seems to be enough for now.

I'll be back at the flea market November 23rd with a table full of new jewelry, trees, craft kits and harfs.

If you know anyone in LA... tell them about my dance!!!

Patriot for Obama!

2008-11-05T00:56:00.002-05:00

Obama is #44! I want to stay awake all night so the feeling won't end! The horns outside are blaring, people are shouting - the city is rejoicing!

It feels amazing to be not only a witness to such an event, but participant. For the first time in my life I sat and listened to my 'leader' speak and just believed. Nothing he said in his speech was off to me. It reminded me of my own passion for this country (and that that is ok).... which I've only ever felt when reading the Constitution or Gettysburg address... and desire to find a way to be a working part of it. Finally. Thank you Barack! You are truly gifted. I feel like part of something and am very proud to call you my President.

Patriots, we all are still.
Let's make our country better!!!

I'm in Obama. Put me to work!!!!

Cool!

2008-10-17T23:28:00.003-05:00

One of my trees was featured in this weeks Time Out NY!! Check it out!

Since I'm always (proudly) telling people that my style is "sexy grandma" I'm glad to be a part of grandma themed grouping!!

I tried...

2008-10-16T09:41:00.004-05:00

A photo shoot with the ladies the other day, which basically went like this: sneak up on Clarissa, put the hat on, scramble to find my camera and turn around just in time to shoot this...

The one possibility
didn't last long!!
Eleanor, on the other hand, was much more obliging! Too bad I didn't have more in her size!! This harf actually is more for a grown up, but looks pretty great on her anyway.

Pretend you're cold!!!
REALLY cold!!!

Freezing!
Somehow, it seems like overnight, this child has become an honest to goodness "big kid." Her expressions, concerns, eye rolling, thoughts, abilities... amaze me. Everyday I pick her up it's "Let's go to the park and see which of my friends are there!" And when we get there there's a loud "ELEANOR!!" shouted from at least one, if not more, of her friends. They hug hello, make up games and always make sure to say goodbye to each other individually. Yesterday I started taking photos of the girls as they piled up at the foot of the slide which of eventually led to a whole photo shoot with funny poses and everything. So much pink and stripes and flowers and of course... laughing.

Country Living Mention

2008-10-12T18:00:00.005-05:00

Back in April, some editors from Country Living Magazine visited the Brooklyn Flea to take photos for an article. I'm pleased as punch that they included my hats and a little blurb in their article. I'm in such good company too!!

Thanks to everyone who came out today and made my walk home a lighter one! I'm totally looking forward to more Fall days at the Flea!!!!

Also...
Thanks Jemaine for swerving by my booth to check out my cuff links, even if it was brief. You're pretty "mother flippin" rad!

If you don't know Jemaine, check out this and get with it quick!

Down by the bay...

2008-10-03T13:07:00.004-05:00

Where the watermelon grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My mother would say...

"Have you ever seen a..."

and then you say something funny that rhymes, like... "a tree growing a knee?" Extra points for using poo & pee of course, as these words are always a hit with the wee ones.

Down by the bay!

Yesterday Eleanor and I sang about twelve verses of this song and laughed our heads off. Then on round thirteen she interrupts me to say, "Don't sing Kimmie."

"Why not? Why can't I sing?" I whine.

"Because you're too...."

"Don't say it!!!" I shout before she can say I'm too old!

"Be cause you're too GIANT!" She laughs.

And laughs.

And laughs.

I guess that's a little better than being too old, isn't it?

Or is it?

Regardless, aren't these gals adorable???? They make me wish I had a sister!

This Song is good.

2008-10-01T18:18:00.001-05:00

And this live version is especially good.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love (Live at Later... with Jools Holland

The way it should be...

2008-09-30T21:32:00.005-05:00

When I was in Seattle, every latte looked like this, but not here! So, I was pleasantly surprised the other day to find a spot in Manhattan where they take the time to make you something this beautiful and tasty!

WHere?

Cafe Grumpy
224 W 28th street (between 6 & 7)
or
128 Meserole (at Diamond) in Greenpoint.

They brew each coffee by the cup and the scent of beans grinding is intoxicating! The shop sports a neutral decorating scheme which is neither minimalist nor crowded. I am pleased by the lack of post cards and homemade advertisements. I've also had lovely, unexpected banter with all the servers which, second only to the coffees, makes me want to go back!

Thanks Guys!
and iphone for helping me locate a cafe in the area when I was ten minutes early for rehearsal and for taking this photo.

The new "to do" list

2008-09-29T15:16:00.007-05:00

Some might remember this letter tray from an earlier post...

What was originally just a nice display has now developed into a sort of to do list. It's where I put lost buttons in need of re-sewing, charms I mean to do something with or photos I want to remember to admire on a daily basis. Basically I'm thinking I'll put anything small up here, that needs remembering and over time it'll become a little library of "thoughts."

Instead of having to find a suitable mismatched button, I'll know right where I put the matching one! This will also save me the trouble of configuring a back up outfit when I can't think of anything but the skirt in need of mending. Have I ever mentioned that virtually ALL of my mending occurs three minutes before I'm supposed to walk out the door?? Yeah. There I am, sporting half an outfit, frantically sewing on the end of my bed, when I could just throw on pair of jeans and tee shirt like a normal person.

But back to the tray... I'm always really interested in clutter. I certainly don't like messes, but there's something to the little chatchkas we humans collect. Every home seems to have some, whether its refrigerator magnets, tiny toys, rocks & shells, or even "real art." Imagine.

I'm also really interested in people's inability to deal with their clutter. In other words, organization, or lack thereof. In my world, what might look like a simple pile, actually has a lot of rhyme and reason to it. I think this is the difference between a mess and a display, the intention. I love the idea of turning a bad habit, or organizing weakness, into display. My idea for someone who is always throwing clothes on the floor, is to throw them on the wall instead. Install a grid of hooks, or even just long nails, and stuff your clothes up there instead. Sure it'll look like a pot of spaghetti clothes... but you'll have room to walk, you won't have to take the precious time to put them away and over time, it might end up looking kinda cool up there.

So here are all the thoughts so far in my tray:

This stack of British coins looked so beautiful against the dark wood, I just want to regularly admire it. I love the detailed edges... how come our coins aren't as cool?? Also, I might want to design something based off of these patterns.

These sparkly buttons need to be re-attached to this coat.

A squid and my handsome Grandpa in his navy uniform!! I miss you!

A map box I need to find a new chain for and scented green tea oil to liven up my draw papers!

A little lost tree bird checking things out, a broken pin that needs fixing or a new life and green thread that is just pretty.

Two charms that need chains and a "G" typewriter key for the pair of initial cuff links I owe my friend Garth.

Girly and Pink

2008-09-29T13:56:00.005-05:00

My wares for the flea are looking quite girly these days and I'm totally into it! Most of these are from two Fleas ago and long gone... but some are still available!

(sold!)

Many thanks to all who braved the rain in the early hours of yesterdays Flea. It meant so much to sell even just a few items, huddled under the tent and our umbrellas! Then, when the sun broke through, so many lovely faces! Thank you for coming out and thank you for your purchases and sweet comments! It perked me up to no end at a much needed time!

This group of friends met up with each other right in front of my booth and I just had to take their photo. Look at how beautifully their outfits coordinate!

Please, just don't!

2008-09-24T09:37:00.002-05:00

Whenever I'm knitting I prefer to be watching something, like a light hearted TV show or movie that takes little of my attention. It's really just to have something to look up at occasionally so as not to get funky eyes or sea sickness from watching my needles fly. If I'm seriously into a show, like LOST or The Office for example, you'll know because I actually put down the knitting needles and relax.

Most of my valuable knitting time occurs during (horrible) day time tv hours. You know, when the only shows to pick from are Maury Povich or soap operas and every commercial is trying to convince you that softer hands is the real reason to pick a dish soap.

I know I'm not the target audience, but I am home, watching...often... and I've never felt such a disconnect in advertising! At night, it's sexy car commercials and although I'm nowhere near buying a car, someday I probably will and I can kind of relate to wanting a safe, luxurious model. But the daytime stuff is insane! Lawyers begging for you to scrape up some business for them. Better plastic bags! Oxi clean! Softer dish soap! The Huggies vs. Luvs smackdown... (today on Jerry Springer). The ad for Bagel-fuls practically made me barf! Don't get me wrong, I love a good bagel, but you know as soon as you bite into that chewy exterior, all the philly's gonna squirt right out like a jelly dough nut! I just can't bring myself to contemplate it anymore. I guess I'm more upset about the product, than advertising, on that one.

My friend Kj and I used to talk all the time about how BAD some commercials were and how there's really just no need for it. If I was ever going to pick a lawyer from tv, the cowboy hat in front of the NY skyline certainly doesn't scream credibility! There's plenty of talented people out there who would love the the opportunity to make a commercial and could actually do a better job at it! Take for example our friends over at Mohegan Sun:

I think this ad is pretty rad. It's fun, complicated (a lot of people, flips, dancing, singing) and kind of funny. It works because the main actor is taking it seriously and not commenting on himself unlike this gal for the Optimum triple play:

This one is on sooooooo much during the day I want to pull my hair out!! The only thing worthy, in my opinion, are the cute burgers with the PR & $29.95 spelled out in condiments!

I used to feel the same way about this Optimum ad, until I paid closer attention and realized how awesome it really is! I've actually heard people talking about this commercial in bars & coffee shops! I think it works for the same reason as the Monheagan ad.

Dear Optimum,
Please ditch the ladies and bring these guys back!!!

Current Crushes

2008-09-22T13:00:00.004-05:00

My latest crush? The voice of Caleb Folowill, front man of the band Kings of Leon. I heard them for the first time on Saturday Night live this weekend, of all places! I was tuning in for another crush and was pleasantly surprised by the harsh yet somehow delicate sound of this guy. His voice is raspy, in that sexy way that's usually more of a plus for girls. It's bursting at the seams and I trust it. Probably because it's not some affectation begging me to swoon like so many other plaid shirted dudes in pants so tight I get jealous. It's just honest and comes out how it needs to.

The uniqueness of his voice sent me on a short research session on the band where I read one little magazine article and watched a home video of the singer (ok, his name is Caleb) talking about recording a song. I'm not going to get all into it because really, I don't really know anything about this band and I haven't even finished listening to the album I downloaded 20 minutes ago. It just seems like they're nice boys, or brothers/cousins rather from Oklahoma who have a respectable approach to music making. Like all brothers, they fight about whose going to wear which tight pants, but I can forgive them that. It's not like they're running all over the stage showing it off (from what I've seen at least. ) They just peaceably stand there and let the music do the talking.

Obama everywhere...

2008-09-19T12:35:00.002-05:00

I've been taking for granted the fact that I pretty much live in a triple pro-Obama town, have quadruple-pro-Obama pals and practically see his face on every surface from fenders to fanny packs. (ok I didn't see a fanny pack, but how cool would that be?)

I love this DIY verson! Use what you've got people!!

Regardless of your political leanings, you have to admit it's pretty phenomenal to have a Presidential candidate inspire such a wide demographic. My fashion designer roommate had an Obama themed show for fashion week while the grandmother of the child I babysit, who also happens to be a retired judge, is leaving town to go campaign at age 70.

Here's a candidate who is more than just the lesser of two evils, he's someone I'd really like to see become president! So what am I doing now to ensure I can throw some fancy State of The Union Address parties over the next four years? Well, with all the supporters doing work around me, I've sort of forgotten how important it is to represent, but now it's time to get in the game!!!

My suggestion, this necklace from Brookadelphia:
And if you prefer to stay neutral in your advertising... at least choose this sentiment:

I'm a big fan of Brookadelphia. We made a nice trade last Christmas at the Bust craft fair, when I got these rad antler earrings:

This year, at Renegade, I got this awesome "Post Post Modern necklace." It's always is quite a conversation starter.
This jewelry kind of doesn't fit with my usually, pretty old fashioned, girly girl look (is that what it is???) but that's why I love it. This will be my next purchase I think:

Oh, I almost forgot. $10 of the "08ama" necklace goes to his campaign! Go team!!!

Back to the FLea!

2008-09-12T19:22:00.002-05:00

This Sunday I'm finally back to the Brooklyn Flea! What on earth am I going to bring??? Unfortunately not the huge slew of items I was hoping for, but this little baby will be there at least. Maybe it's perfect for your little baby... it'll be getting cold soon!

This week the Flea is a super, music, Dj extravaganza! (see below) Woo hoo! I'm glad to be a part of that. I love having tunes at the Flea!

I also love my early morning Croissant & Coffee from Choice! YUM!

I can't wait!!

(Well, actually, I can a bit. I want to make more stuff!!)

Super Sneak Peek...

2008-09-12T19:18:00.003-05:00

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....
Something I'm sending off tomorrow!!!!
(Not that you can tell from this photo anyway)

Rainy days are fundays

2008-09-12T18:58:00.004-05:00

What if, instead of being sad when it rained, Carol King made a fort, put on a movie and watched the two cutest chickens share dinner beneath it... do you think she would have still written "Rainy Days and Mondays?"

Well today, on account of the Hurricane drizzles, there could be no park after school, so we built a fort and watched a movie. The film was still going strong at dinner time and since I'm always looking for ways to elevate my 'coolest babysitter ever' status, I thought, "Why not eat dinner in the fort?"

We did.
It was awesome.
Although the second photo of Clarissa seems to have caught a short moment of displeasure. I think she was just mad that I was taking a photo instead of feeding her a yummy peach.

Under the Bridge

2008-09-10T08:48:00.002-05:00

This Labor day I took the Seas Streak Ferry to Sandy Hook in NJ for a lovely, end of summer beach day. I highly recommend the (slightly pricey) trip. (Nothing beast a $4 subway ride to the Rockaways!!) Look at all the bridges you get to go under!!

Knitting for miles...

2008-09-07T11:04:00.004-05:00

I've often stopped to wonder, just how many miles I've knit. Maybe someday I'll do the math and count up all the yarn used for my various projects to see how far my hands ave traveled. I'd have to look at old pictures and guess, but I'm sure I could get a rough estimate. In the meantime, here's a sneak peak at the result of my current mileage:

A little monster

2008-08-29T11:08:00.003-05:00

The bodega near my house has two, dirty little white kittens who I just adore. Look at the little monster...

Of this I am sure...

2008-08-27T23:00:00.002-05:00

Over the years we discover things.
Things we know to be true of ourselves and others that have a slim chance of ever changing. This unlikelihood of change is something I'm just starting to be friends with. Rather than view quirks/opinions/rules of mine as strange and unusual, I've decided to just embrace them and be proud. While I certainly acknowledge that there are a million ways to do any task and live a life, here are some things that I firmly believe to be true:

One should always spring for the name brand cotton swabs. You know the ones. Anything less is always disappointing.
Flavored coffee is disgusting, especially pumpkin. If it's presence must be tolerated because, your roommate always buys it or you just can't waste the gift basket- let it have it's own equipment and never mix.
Nothing should ever be pumpkin flavored unless it has actual pumpkin in it. Breads= yes, Beers=NO!
If no one is sleeping or sitting on it, a bed should be made. It looks better and will make things feel less chaotic in life.
Giving children their wishes in fantasy, is a magical cure. What does that mean? Well, the next time you're with a child who throws himself on the ground because he doesn't want to leave the fun thing you're doing... just say to him, "Tell me all the things you'd rather be doing..." When he says "Get on a plane and fly to Madagascar" then by all means get on a plane and fly to Madagascar! At least until you reach your car. If a little one begs for yet another sweet treat say, "Oh, I wish we could eat a million of them! And cake too. And cotton candy. And... " I certainly can't claim this technique... I read about it somewhere, but man, it really works! And by work I mean preventing/soothing a tantrum while at the same time giving your child the reassurance that you do care about his needs/wants/feelings, rather than denying them, which is what we usually do: "It's ok. It's no big deal." "You just had a cookie, how can you possibly want another one?" "Don't worry, we'll come back to the park again."
The best way to deal with catcalls is just to accept them and acknowledge the caller. Give them a dorky hello, smile or wave. I used to get super angry and just be bummed all day, but lately I've been using them as a way to engage. Once someone said something I didn't like and I just told them outright. They apologized and told me to have a nice day instead. It's so much better than being mad at them.

Wow, is that it? Just six. Well, I'm sure there will be more down the line. Anyone else care to share???

Thanks Martha!!!

2008-08-22T14:07:00.003-05:00

My lovely and stylish pal Martha, who also happens to be an awesome stylist, took two of my necklaces for some test shots recently. The finished photos make me so happy and proud... I just love how they look! Thanks Martha for working your magic!

And please do check out more of her work at her website!

A long sentence....

2008-08-13T23:29:00.005-05:00

You know those times when you should really be like, sleeping, but instead you're listening to Justin Timberlake, sending random envelopes of lined school paper to your pals across the the country? Yeah, me too.
It really is quite difficult to sleep with Justin serenading you after all.

Man, I really need to get some new stamps, mine are all 37 cents! How long ago was that???

Current Crushes

2008-08-11T14:05:00.005-05:00

Walt Whitman
I heard a poem of his the other day while watching the PBS documentary about New York City and it peaked my interest in the guy. The documentary uses much of his work, as he was an early American-lover of NY -ahead of his time kind of writer. His poem, Crossing the Brooklyn Ferry, just captures the exact feeling of this city, even now. In a time before the Brooklyn Bridge, before Man had even envisioned building UP instead of OUT, Whitman seemed to comprehend this constant for all New Yorkers. Despite the changes to come for his New York and ours, this poem just gets it:

1.
Flood-tide below ! I watch you face to face;
Clouds of the west! sun there half an hour high! I see you also face to face.

Crowds of men and women attired in the usual costumes! how curious you are to me!

On the ferry-boats, the hundreds and hundreds that cross, returning home, are more curious to me than you suppose;

And you that shall cross from shore to shore years hence, are more to me, and more in my meditations, than you might suppose.

(I skip some here)

3.
I am with you, you men and women of a generation, or ever so many generations hence;
I project myself- also I return- I am with you, and know how it is.

Just as you feel when you look on the river and sky, so I felt;
Just as any of you is one of a living crowd, I was one of a crowd;
Just as you refresh'd by the gladness of the river and bright flow, I was refresh'd;
Just as you stand and lean on the rail, yet hurry with the swift current, I stood, yet was hurried;
Just as you look on the numberless masts of ships, and the thick-stem'd pipes of steamboats, I look'd.

NYC, Brooklyn and the Bridge.
Thanks to this poem and the documentary, I've discovered a new love for the city. I can't quite get into it here, but am grateful. I'm especially amazed, yet again, by the Brooklyn Bridge. The thing that got me, was hearing that at the time of it's opening, May 1883, it was the tallest thing around. In a city just four stories high, people, had never seen anything from that perspective before. Because of the strictly pedestrian pathway, to this day, we are able to get an unobstructed, awe inspiring view of the city. I just can't get over the extreme intelligence and fore thought of the early designers of our country!

Like Alexander Hamilton

Bringing it back to the current century, this band called Bon Iver is really rocking my world. Check out their myspace page to listen! The song "The Wolves" has the best yet most subtle use of that voice changing effect thing (that Cher made popular) ever. See if you can hear it and agree with me!

What's new...

2008-08-11T13:40:00.005-05:00

Books:

Thanks Garth for not liking Walt Whitman and giving yours to me!

Yarns:

These Blue Sky yarns will become Spring 09 projects/patterns! 35 skeins by the end of August... do you think I can do it? That's a lot of knitting, which leads to new thing #3:

Yup, I've broken down and gotten a wrist brace. My poor wrist is getting more action than ever and it's feeling it big time. I've also switched to using my mouse more than my trackpad. That means my favorite activity, snuggling in bed with the computer perched on my chest, is not allowed :( (we'll see how long that lasts!)

Being a sailor:

I got this lovely number at the Flea Market yesterday! Remember the "What about Bob" line?
"I'm a sailor. I sail." or something like that. The tag on th inside says...Wearing socks:

The other morning it was chilly enough with the breeze to warrant the wearing of socks. I took a picture because the first pair I grabbed just happened to match my pajamas perfectly. It probably wasn't all that accidental, knowing me, however.

*Update*
Another exciting thing:
That GIANT pile of laundry you can kind of see in the background of my sock photo, has since been done! I now have a 'normal' person sized pile of laundry in the works and I plan to keep it that way!

ETSY pick of the day!

2008-08-04T16:04:00.003-05:00

Lucky Lauren Bag
by luckylovely

Newest in ETSY

2008-08-02T13:18:00.002-05:00

August = ETSY Challenge!

2008-07-27T13:24:00.003-05:00

My friend Cal told me about her plan to make August an ETSY challenge. I thought it was such a great idea that I wanted to do it too. The plan is to focus on uploading new items constantly to try to sell as much as possible in August. I decided to get a head start today with some items I have on hand.

Etsy
Buy Handmade
Keepitmovingdesign

Music = Fuel

2008-07-26T15:15:00.004-05:00

The new music purchases keeping me going these days...

She & Him
Volume one
2008

Steve Perry
Street Talk
1984
For this song

kty perry - i kissed a girl songs

download free music | download free mp3

which became a favorite in college when I revisited and then obsessively listened to the We Are The World Soundtrack driving around Bennington.

Johnny Cash
VI
for this song

johnny cash - hurt songs
free mp3 downloads | Free music downloads

King Wilkie
Low Country Suite
Listen to my favorite "Oh My Love" here
I have an extra ticket to see them at Joes Pub... wanna go?

New Blue Sky Pattern!

2008-07-21T09:22:00.003-05:00

I'm really excited to see the response out there for this new pattern! I was really fun and fast to make... well, sort of. The blocking of these squares took a long time and pretty much covered my house. First, I didn't have enough towels to do them all at once and second, when your cats think blocking = bedtime, it makes your work take twice as long to dry. (Does anyone know why cats love laying on wet knitting riddled with pins?) But eventually it all dried and I pieced it together with a fabric backing. I look forward to checking out other people's color choices.

The interesting thing about this pattern is that it started out in my mind as a sweater. In fact, I actually made the sweater for Blue Sky, but it didn't turn out quite as I had hoped or imagined. Eventually Blue Sky decided to go in a different direction and suggested turning the motif into a blanket pattern instead. I think it was a smart decision on their part, but I do hope to develop this sweater idea somewhere down the line...

That's what friends are for...

2008-07-19T10:09:00.004-05:00

You know your friends are the right ones for you when they get inspired gardening one day to stop and sew little catnip treats to give to your cats. Thank you Seth for embroidering this gem!

One thing that I adore about Seth is his love of playing games. We were walking in a big group somewhere... going to get ice cream perhaps (yes it was after the Belmont Stakes race) when Seth announced he had a present for me. With the hugest smile and on his face he decided I should play twenty questions to guess what it was. He's infectious enthusiasm inspired the whole group to play along and for the entire walk we shouted out our guesses. We had narrowed it down to a dried plant of some sort and when he just had to tell me about the catnip treats he and Garth had crafted for their two friends with cats. This was many weeks ago and I had kind of forgotten about it until last night when Seth handed the gift to me.

Sometimes I am struck by the kindness and generosity of these two friends (who coincidentally have been pals since their single digit days.) To have friends who are thoughtful enough to give you great random gifts is one thing. (Garth has brought me back special Texan beef jerky on two occasions now.) But to have that thoughtfulness extend to your two, quirky cats is quite something.

Some of you might be wondering why the toy says "ANG" when my cat's name is Dinah. Well, that's because when Seth met Dinah he picked up on an uncanny resemblance....

Recent Find

2008-07-15T09:32:00.002-05:00

The last time I was at the Brooklyn Flea I scored this printers tray (plus another one) for $10!!!!! Thats right folks $5 each! I was shocked. I saw them in a booth nearby and wandered over at the beginning of the day to see how much they were (she had 4). My hope was to keep my eye on them from afar and cross my fingers sell enough to bring one home with me. When I found out the price I wanted to buy them all! If I had had a way to cart them all home, I would have done it!
My mom spotted a similar tray at home in Maine recently for $60, which still a pretty a good deal if you ask me. I think I really lucked out and couldn't be more jazzed about my new little collecting place!

My new pal

2008-07-12T22:10:00.004-05:00

There was quite a surprise waiting for me when I went home to Maine last week...My mom got a new kitten and didn't tell me anything about it! I walked in the house and he scooted on by like it was yesterdays news. Needless to say, I loved him immediately!

This was my temporary office on the one day I worked and sir kitten gazed at me through the screen...

Mom and I spent the week brainstorming names. My uncle was a big fan of the name trouble or Arizona. We considered a dogs name like Fido or Spot since, well check it out... he loves to play fetch!

My mom makes him these little tinfoil balls that he chases around constantly. He puts them in shoes, his water dish and every now and then right in your lap. Now, it's completely cat-style fetch, meaning he's in no way obligated to bring the ball back to you and you certainly can't expect it to be done quickly every time. He does love to play with the ball first, but then usually trots back and drops it beside you. This dropping, along with his little expectant wait for the your throw, just melts my heart. It make me feel proud. I can't wait to see him again!

Oh, the other names discussed:

Taz (I said no!)
Scribble
Arcade (this was a late contender that didn't get a fair chance)

but I think we settled on Rascal, right Mom? Or have you thought of more?

Uninspiration

2008-07-11T18:32:00.008-05:00

First off, let me express my deep respect and awe for stylists. They are the ultimate merchandisers. They take products to new levels of desirability by placing them in dreamy lifestyle scenarios. Despite being completely fake and two dimensional, we covet these ideal lives and in turn, rush out to buy, buy, buy! Or so is the hope of companies like Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn and Ikea.

All of the aforementioned companies make great stuff. Stuff that in the past I have really, really wanted, needed even. Stuff I was willing to stand in line for when my plate of Swedish Meatballs had all but won off. Seriously, it's not the stuff that bothers me. I love my Crate and Barrel Popsicle maker! The Pottery Barn shower curtain liner, that I got by ordering one too many for my friend's wedding, was the longest lasting liner I have ever owned. And dear Ikea, your cheese grater slays me! I wish I had cause to buy more, but alas, one is all you need.

In my opinion, this is how it should be. A girl or boy picking his or her favorite items based on need, desire and taste. The catalog images provide inspiration for the daily use of said items and maybe help you see things that you might not have noticed otherwise. Way to go stylists! For a while there you almost made me want to buy some giant wicker balls and cover all my books with white paper!

I feel a need to apologize for my first post in ages turning so negative. I don't want to be known as someone who tears things down, but after receiving the latest Crate and Barrel catalog, well, let's just say I'm offended and leave it at that.

Which came first, the carpet, the chair or the lime green books?
I think it's pretty common for lovers of green, especially when it comes to the pickle varieties, to always be drawn to items of that color. If I had an unlimited income, I might fall into this category myself, so maybe there is some truth to this styling technique. Still, I think it's pretty basic to stick to one pretty bold color. If you're going to go that way, really go that way and fill the room with even more green. If I were given these exact same props to use, I would have made the wall white or an almost yellow green to allow for another accent color. Then I would have added a few more props that weren't green. Maybe something pale yellow or blue. Then I would have tried putting all the green books on one shelf, because that seams like something a normal person might try.

Maybe people dream of color coded rooms, where book bindings match the carpet and the pen you leave angled just so. I dream of spaces that leave breathing room for all colors and the parade of items I'm sure to drag home from the flea market. I never want to be limited to jusst one color extreme. Yikes. What else can you put in this room?

It would have to be bright orange, green, or turquoise, right? Is my problem that I'm just not into bright, solid colors? I think the quilt is nice, but the room just reminds me of a transitional summer patio collection or something.

This room tells a similar story only at a different temperature.
Even a flower arrangement would look out of place up there. And flowers look good anywhere!

This carpet would be GREAT if it were the only colored thing in the room.
And this last room is just the hugest pet peeve ever! I can't really name it or put my finger on it, but I know it has a lot to with the shaker posed on the little shelf.
I never thought I would praise the Pottery Barn catalog, but at least their rooms are more neutral and inspiring [to me]. Ikea has the corner on inventive/inexpensive/stylish design and at least they send out fewer catalogs. The trees and I are very thankful for that.

I survived Renegade 2008!

2008-06-21T18:31:00.004-05:00

Someone make the tee shirt already! I survived Renegade 2008!

Scheduling a craft fair in a drained pool is an awesome idea...until... the thunderstorms come and the pool fills up to your ankles! Well, that might be an exaggeration but not for my corner at least. I'm telling you, by the end of the first day, the Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair had turned into one of the most fashionable wet tee shirt contests imaginable. Picture it, insanely cute gals in their summer frocks and high waisted shorts bearded boys in their shortest shorts, all running around soaked to the bone. I'm just saying, nothing like giant rain storms to bring people *ahem* together! My friend Anne told about how she and a bunch of kids gathered in the small, drizzle free entrance to wait it out, when all of a sudden one dude says, "Ok... townspeople!" and he spontaneously inspires them all to play Mafia. Way to make lemonade, Mr. and by the way, are you single?

But we survived! All and all, it was a blast! I made new friends and found some sweet new things, which I'll post soon.

Our booth on Saturday before the rain:

The cute kids across the way weren't scared by a little rain, they set up camp like pros!

Love the rolled up jeans and sneaks on dudes, btw...

The rain begins and NEVER ends!!

Slightly freezing...

The next day was a little less rainy. We decided to condense to one table, just in case it rained again. I think it made things cuter! There were many reactions to my Fathers Day sign... the most common being "oh crap! I forgot to call my dad!" Followed by immediate dialing.

I made this tie last minute Sunday morning and it sold right away. I'm glad I grabbed a shot of it. More cattails on the way I think.

How cool is this?

2008-06-08T22:58:00.004-05:00

I pulled out an old package of seam binding tonight to make something and discovered the sweetest thing on the back of its label. You might have to enlarge to the photo to see it...

Basically the gist is that for three discarded wrappers and 15 cents they'll send a bag of clippings for your child. I think it's so rad that the company is willing to do that and advertise it! Wouldn't it be nice if that were the way today? I would so be all over that grab bag!! Maybe I should see if they still do it... hmmmmmm...

*update

When checking out the address above, I noticed it didn't have a zip code. I of course thought this made it very old, you know from before zip codes! Then I did research to find out that the United States started zip codes in 1963! So, the package is probably not that old. Although, 15 cents is a pretty small amount... any guesses out there. How old is this offer? Will it still stand? (Ha)

Pops R Us

2008-06-07T08:32:00.003-05:00

In honor of Father's Day next weekend, I thought I'd jazz up my dude supply for Renegade. Do you think these paper ties are too cutesy? I'm hoping to make it more clear for passers by to notice I have items for the mens too!

Bowled over

2008-06-07T07:46:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I got a bunch of containers at Fishs Eddie to use for trees. I don't know why I never thought to go there before. I guess Because it's a bit more expensive than the flower supply store and I wasn't really thinking about the containers all that much. But as I've talked to people at the flea and taken special orders using a variety of vessels, it's open my eyes to a whole new world of tree making. Now people will get an equally cute and interesting container as well as their little knit tree! I can't wait to get started on these!!

My melting heart...

2008-06-01T22:52:00.007-05:00

Even in the heat today's busy flea market, I could hardly stop drooling over these nearby chocolatiers, I mean, chocolates! Some may know that I am not the hugest chocolate fan, but it was love at first site with Mast Brothers Chocolate. One look at the beautifully patterned papers used to perfectly wrap each bar and I was smitten. I finally ran over to their booth when I saw them packing up early and was lucky to snag a couple of bars that were left.

Please take a moment to view their website, which expertly exhibits their old fashioned aesthetic. Boys, your style, it pleases me greatly. Thank you!

In honor of you.... I old this photo!

New Old Kids on the Block?

2008-05-31T01:29:00.004-05:00

I heard it on the radio tonight, seriously. The "Kids" are back with a new summer single. I'm so conflicted! I mean, they were my first concert! Well, actually the first was the Beach Boys followed by The New Kids. Oh how I loved them. "My Favorite Girl" is still one of my favorite songs. I used to ride around southern Vermont during college, blasting that song, twelve years after it was cool. Sure, loving the New Kids is not half as lame as it was when were 13... but do you really want to hear these guys, who I admit look pretty good, singing about summer time love? I'm even the perfect candidate to win over here. I'd much sooner give these guys a chance over any other polished looking "man band" that come up on my radar.

Don't you guys have families and children by now? Haven't you moved on to successful acting careers ? Perhaps I'm just thinking of the Wahlbergs? Still, if you sang about that, or heck, even your lack of that, I'd be into it! What I can't handle is thirty something men singing about girls in bathing suits or whatever melted popsicle stuff I overheard earlier this evening.

Then & Now

Are they seriously Hangin Tough up there?

I think I coined two new terms... feel free to use them liberally, or as often as applicable.

Man Band
The grown up, more creepy version of a "boy band."

Melted Popsicle
Used to describe a style of music, often produced by Man Bands. Similar to Bubblegum pop, only, more confusing, as the man bands collected age would suggest a more sophisticated audience that did not obsess over candy.

Why kids often rule

2008-05-30T01:22:00.005-05:00

There's nothing like a couple of rad, almost five year olds (Luke informed me he's 4 & 11/12 today) to bring you out of a funk.

Today I learned the kids thumbs up/thumbs down moment of the day... a pretty cinchy way to get them to talk about their day, which is usually like pulling teeth. I've asked them to give a thumbs up/thumbs down before, which they latched onto pretty quickly, but today they pretty much started the whole thing on their own. I might have asked "How was your day" (Why we do this to ourselves, I don't know, because it never really works!) and they both showed one thumb up & one down. So I just asked what made the thumbs up and what made the thumbs down.

They got pretty specific right off the bat, "So and so talked mean" followed by the whole ordeal. Weather they were really thinking about that story when they put their thumb down, we'll never know, but it seemed to excite them somehow and open them up for further questioning.

I'm really interested in this strong desire we have as grownups/parents/caretakers/what have yous to know what happens in our child's day. "What did you do today" is the type of question we ask other grownups, not really expecting the real answer: "Oh, I got up early because my husband was snoring, so I made some coffee and then the cat puked. I cleaned it up and then...." When we ask this of a child, we often just want to know where they sat, who they played with or what they drew, but from our own example, these things are trivial and we get the answer "Nothing," instead, or even better, the complete ignore! We need to ask better questions, right?

I find that kids are incredibly eager to talk about almost everything. All it takes is the right key, an "in," if you will. Once the door is opened...gosh, the light that is shed on their world! It's so fun! That's what I would want to study more in school, the ways and methods to ask better questions. Does that make me want to be a child therapist???

Well, the best from today was not so much the daily tasks, but the delightful political discussion. I went like this:

Luke: I'm half British, half Jewish. My Mom is Jewish and my dad is British.
Eleanor: "Me too."
Luke: Your mom's British? And Ken is Jewish, right Eleanor?
For some reason the kids are really into calling Ken, Ken, even Eleanor. I seam to hear his name a lot. Mom's are always "your mom" and Luke's dad is always "pop" or your "pop."
Luke: I think that once the British were fighting the Jewish.
Me: Really?
Luke: It was the Revolution.
Me: Oh, I think your thinking of the Revolutionary War, when the British were fighting the Americans.
Luke: Oh, yeah, that's right. Why were they fighting?
Me: Scrambling to make sense I said something about how the Americans had fled England to find freedom and the British did not want us to have that freedom. They wanted to control the country.
Luke: Who won?
Me: We did.
Luke: That's good.
I think there was a little more exchange about The United States here before Eleanor entered.
Eleanor: Speaking of Presidents, I think Barack Obama is going to win.
Yeah, "speaking of" is a big one this days. Kind of amazing.
Luke: Well Hilliary Clinton is dropping out, so you can vote for her anymore.
Eleanor: I voted for Barack Obama.
Me: So you think he's going to win?
Luke: No body's voting for John McCain!
Me: (Playing devils advocate of course) Well somebody had to vote for him or he wouldn't be running!

I think then we arrived at the playground and our political discourse quickly morphed into thoughts of rainbow ices and swings.

Brutal Re-entry

2008-05-29T12:05:00.003-05:00

If I were an astronaut , I'd say my space shuttle had lost some important heat protective covering or something when I re-entered the atmosphere. I feel exposed. My brutal re-entry to Brooklyn from Seattle started with a red eye flight, included a hazy day of jet lagged roof partying, another day of not wanting too leave my house then ended with food poisoning and 24 hours in bed recovering. Now it's back to the routine... but I'm still not ready.

Some people say that the happiest New Yorkers are those who leave the city often. But what if the re-entry is like this every time? Is this just a coincidence, or am I missing a pretty obvious sign? I don't think I can handle either option right now, to tell you the truth, so I think I'll put my space ship on auto pilot and try to at least enjoy the zero gravity.

Back to the Flea!

2008-05-29T11:14:00.002-05:00

This Sunday peeps. Apparently there's early bird viewing from 8-10 for $5. Now I really can't party Saturdays! (Or stay up late finishing trees which is what I'm more likely to be doing!)

Oops, I forgot!

2008-05-26T17:19:00.002-05:00

These are the cool stores I enjoyed browsing in Seattle:

The Bouncing Wall, Queen Anne. Local indie designers. Lots of cute tees and jewelry!
Hilltop Yarn, Queen Anne. A lovely old house converted to knitting store.
Blackbird, Ballard. Lot's of fancy pants mens stuff, see right.
Velouria, Ballard. More Indie designers! Yeah!

Go shopping!!

The Seattle Rundown

2008-05-26T11:27:00.012-05:00

Days in Seattle: 9

Neighborhoods visited: 9

Queen Anne
Ballard
Freemont
Greenlake
Downtown (public market right)
Capitol Hill
Blue Ridge
Eastlake

Parks Visited: 4

Carkeek ( right) A lovely walk from Kj's house. It has a nice grassy part with a childrens play area and then you cross a bridge over train tracks to get to the beach. The view of the mountains is amazing!!
Kerry Park This spot is pretty much where all the photos of the Seattle skyline are taken. It's located about halfway up Queen Anne Hill (or mountain as I call it!)
Golden Gardens We went here at night and it was cool because the mountains looked all eerie and blue in the distance. This park has fire pits and many groups of people were there, sitting by their orange fires, dotting the beach.
St. Edward Park (left) We went here with Kj's niece Abby to play on the playground. It was a pretty awesome castle... with room for grownups too!

Restaurants visited: 12 (!)

Greenlake Bar & Grill Burger with fries, yum
McMenamins- Queen Anne Burger with tots, yum. Local beer sampler, double yum. I recommend the terminator beer!
Macrina Bakery & Cafe I ate here twice! First a brunch of eggs & brioche toast and then the Heirloom tomato salad with a lemon tart for dessert! Double YUM!!
A place I don't remember More burgers & beer. Seattle loves burgers... or maybe it's just me?
La Carta A wonderful Mexican place in Ballard. I think I ate three bowls of salsa! Triple yum!
Blue C Sushi Conveyor belt sushi, need I say more?
Another Mexican place I don't remember Tacos a go go! Yum.
Another Burger
Eastlake Bar & Grill I highly recommend sitting on the patio! Yum.

Coffees purchased: 9 (probably more like 12)
I can honestly say that I found all of my coffees in Seattle at least 3 times better than any I've had in New York. Even the local chains of Starbucks and Tulleys produced a superior brew... My favorites were

Macrina Bakery & Cafe
Cafe Fiore
Verite Coffee
Top Pot Doughnuts Who doesn't loved a plane themed establishment that serves great coffee and fresh old fashioned doughnuts?

Movies Watched: 5

Forgetting Sarah Marshall It was an ok film, but the joy was seeing it at the Big Picture, an awesome underground movie theater that actually seams more like a speakeasy. You can grab a cocktail beforehand and even arrange to have one brought in to you during the film! Sitting in the front row means having a comfortable leather footstool. I recommend the "Bogart" which mixed muddled lime & sage with gin.
Lord of the Rings:Fellowship of the Ring extended edition
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull We saw this in the packed theater on opening day. It was pretty fun and totally Indiana Jonesy!
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers extended edition
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King extended edition

Yes we watched the last two in one day! Sometimes when Kj and I get together, we just have to visit Middle Earth. We also watched the entire third season of Arrested Development.

Make it old!

2008-05-23T12:01:00.002-05:00

I saw this on another blog. You can take a regular photo and make it old. Hmmmmm... the site is in a language I don't understand...but simple enough to figure out. Have fun!

New flickr set: Seattle

2008-05-22T13:25:00.001-05:00

www.flickr.com

There's nothing like your friend's beautiful loft/shop/studio to make you want to move to Seattle...

2008-05-22T12:57:00.004-05:00

My pals Isabelle & Nick are just amazing folk. They have converted a garage into this amazing home & studio for their growing business: Piano Nobile. Check out Isabelle's lovely bags in their Etsy store!

Kj and I had a lovely time chillin in the front "yard"with Bauhaus the puppy, some wine and some olives. We later went out for conveyor belt sushi and came back for strawberry rhubarb pie and a movie projected on the wall. Um, can you say best day ever?

Seattle 2.0

2008-05-20T01:22:00.002-05:00

The pieced together panorama:

The far away shot

The testing my digital zoom shot. (You can see people, people!!!)
I just had to try this rhubarb soda...
and then there was the cocktail sampling at Kjs work...

Soon soon soon!!!

2008-05-19T20:31:00.004-05:00

with

Seattle so far...

2008-05-18T12:10:00.006-05:00

I love flying! You go from flat flat farms

to mountains appear out of nowhere! Window seats are always for me.

My first day Kj took me to work with her in the Seattle Center. This crazy fountain was playing Nirvana! The kids loved running around in it. Oh yeah, did I mention that it's been 8o degrees??? I was expecting rain and cold!

Yesterday I climbed Queen Anne Mountain...er...Ave to the top a found a lovely yarn store!

Hilltop Yarn & Needlepoint

They were super nice and the house is totally amazing inside!! I had no idea, but this weekend is a little Puget Sound yarn crawl. If you make it to all the yarn stores and collect your stamps, you can enter a raffle, but I doubt I'll be able to do that.

That's all for now.... I'm off to the Seattle Cheese Festival!

Seattle here I come!

2008-05-15T09:46:00.002-05:00

For some reason, Elliot Smith always reminds me of Seattle. It must be because my first college roommate introduced me to him and she was from Seattle, so I associate the two. I guess Portland OR was his place which my limited (read: non) knowledge of the pacific north west imagines to be quite similar. Anyway, I'm listening to Smith's drizzly music as I pack my suitcase, because it just feels right.

I'm leaving today to visit my second college roommate and best friend Kj who now lives in Seattle. I'm having a really hard time packing, as usual. I always want to bring six pairs of shoes!! Arghh. You never know right? I have to get it together in the next two hours though! Woo hoo! Vacation! I'm so excited.

I hope to visit all the important places like the space needle and Pikes Place Market. If I can figure out how, I also want to go here:

The photo is from Olympic National Forest, the only rain forest in the US! It's ridiculously beautiful and I would hate to be so close and miss it!

Oh yeah... coffee...coffee....coffee... buzz, buzz, buzz.

Any other suggestions?

On going to bed early...

2008-05-12T20:28:00.003-05:00

Tonight I'm doing something I haven't since the start of the Brooklyn flea market six weeks ago: going to bed early! I'm headed out of town for a vacation, what? That's right. So with the 'making things' pressure off, I've been pacing around the house wondering what to do. Now, it's not like I don't have things to do... it's just, there's nothing that really justifies staying up past eleven. I can do it tomorrow, or on the plane, or my favorite, when I get back! Or maybe it doesn't even need to be done in the first place, like drooling over lofts/condos/co-op listings I can't afford on the internet. So rather than pace around, or stare at the computer one more hour, I decided to go to bed. Also, my apartment is freezing right now and I think my bed is really the only warm place! The cats are here (Dinah says hello btw) and we are cozied in for the night.

One last thing before I say adios to el web... my favorites thus far from the paper themed Poppytalk Handmade Market:

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
Keepitmovingdesign.etsy.com

Cool Hunting blog mention!

2008-05-12T16:00:00.005-05:00

Wow! I love the Brooklyn Flea! You never know who you're going to talk to who will then write such sweet things about you for their blog! Thanks to Eric for emailing me the link instantaneously! I'm really going to miss being there the next couple of weekends!

source: Cool Hunting

Mothers Day...

2008-05-10T21:37:00.005-05:00

Dear Mom,
I made you a Mothers Day card. I swear. I even sewed a cute little pocket inside for my IOU. I carried it around for days, intending to mail it. DAYS! The other night, I stuck it in my pocket and promised myself that this time would be it. Yet when I got home, not only had I forgotten to mail it (yet again) it was no longer in my possession. Somewhere along the line, it fell out into the rainy night. If it ever gets to you... I am quite curious now if it will... it'll have had quite a journey! I hope you will forgive me and accept this blog post instead! I love you and will be thinking of you all day as I watch the Moms walk about the flea market. I will be wishing I could buy you some of the tiny cupcakes there and hand you a big bundle of fresh flowers.

Much Love (two bunches!)
Kim

p.s.
Thanks for teaching me: how to knit, how to make three marks so your lines are straight and to love things like craft punches, stickers & stamps. Thanks for cleaning my room and organizing things all the time and helping me to never loose a single Barbie shoe! Thanks for buying me awesome outfits with matching hair thingies and always playing games with me in the car. Oh and huge thanks for taking out loans so I could go to such a great college and do all this stuff that I do. Thanks for supporting that. I'm pretty lucky to have you!

Forest Floor

2008-05-10T18:11:00.005-05:00

Last week, at the flea, I had a special request. A commission if you will. Well, actually three, no, make it four! Gosh. It really was so cool. People just started asking if I would do a tree in a container that they brought me and I thought, sure, why not? I mean, that's what this whole shopping local thing is all about, right? PLUS they're giving me great artistic license and trust, which is a makers dream! So... three containers came to me that very day, found in another vendors space and the fourth I'll put together at a later date. Here's the first:

A mini tree in a vintage metal JELLO mold.

When I saw this container I immediately thought of a blossoming cherry tree. Perhaps inspired by a recent trip to the Botanical Garden. I usually steer clear of foliage, but just had to add blossoms on this!!

One other request was for two fiddle heads and a toadstool. I'm waiting for the container to arrive, but in the meantime I thought I'd make fern/mushroom combinations for sale as well. I'm not sure I'll be able to part with this one though, or my favorite dome cover thingy.

More forest floors...

This whole, special request container style has inspired me. I want to start seeking unique containers for my trees, like this one, that I found at Salvation Army. Much better then buying new!!

New in shop!

2008-05-10T11:12:00.004-05:00

This month I'll be participating again on Poppytalk Handmade so I've filled my etsy store with new items! This month's theme is paper and affordable art. I can't wait to see the other tables!!!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
Keepitmovingdesign

The Rare Bird

2008-05-03T20:45:00.005-05:00

You know those times when your roommate invites you to see the friend of the guy downstairs play bass for the first time with this other guy... those times? Well we all know its a gamble don't we? And yet we go, time and time again to show support for our brethren, the struggling artists, because a night out with the rooms typically bodes well for you. So you hop on the G train to Williamsburg's Pete's Candy Store and order yourself a shot of whiskey. You thoughtfully nurse that whiskey until his set is done, when, in all honesty, you thank the 'guy' for playing.

And just when you begin debating whether or not to get another drink, it happens. The second act, King Wilkie saves your life. Not only redeeming this and all other nights you've gambled on in the past, but becoming an instant favorite band. Inspiring desires in you to create matching tie tacks and cuff links for each member and learn millinery so you can outfit them in matching derby's or something. They have a nerdy cool presence on stage and the beautiful bass & mandolin combo is heavenly. I really took to them, can you tell?

Crafting with MacGyver

2008-05-03T17:12:00.004-05:00

Having exhausted all the 'new' internet episodes of my usual programs: LOST, Grey's Anatomy, Men in Trees, Ugly Betty, Gossip Girl, 30 Rock, Brothers & Sisters, How I met your Mother and Eli Stone. I've now also depleted the fringe shows: Samantha Who, Lipstick Jungle/Cashmere Mafia (they're the same right?), Big Bang Theory, Friday Night Lights, the brief appearance of My So Called Life and Miss Guided. Sadly(well actually it was pretty fun) I've even cycled though all the Digital Shorts from Saturday Night Live! This one is my favorite:

So now I've moved on the MacGyver reruns thanks to our Friends at CBS. It makes sense, doesn't it? That I would spend my quiet rainy Saturday afternoon crafting, while MacGyver fixes the acid leak with chocolate bars in the background? He's pretty crafty that one. It's certainly behind the times, ah "science labs" that mainly consist of brightly colored little flashing lights on a bunch of boards anyone... effing brilliant. It's PC rating is a little behind too, but still, gotta love our DIY hero!

Gold & Gray

2008-05-01T11:07:00.003-05:00

This week, my Brooklyn Flea table will be sporting a lot of gold & gray. It's one of my favorite combos lately and I was so psyched to find these elegant leaves. Expect many new earrings, necklaces and hopefully, trees! Apparently, I'm very nature themed lately. I found these really cute acorns that screw open so you can hide things in them! Come visit!

If you want to destroy my sweater...

2008-05-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

The new member of my favorite outfits club . Hello band sweater!

New members of the arsenal

2008-04-26T12:03:00.003-05:00

New mini business cards from moo.com. You can upload straight from your flickr page and get twenty different photos if you want. They come in a hot little box too, that I'm totally going to re-use a million times. I feel a little guilty knowing they came all the way from the UK, however. Forgive me Earth. Next time I'll at least buy more!

Fiddle heads
And a willow tree named Xavier:

The Boys are back in town

2008-04-23T21:57:00.004-05:00

New wares for the fellas. Is it wrong for me to want more boys entering my booth??
I love the message on this sailor photo:

To Ruth-
With love and deep respect.
Charlie BSN
1932

New Stuff!!!!!!!

2008-04-18T09:17:00.005-05:00

I've been super busy these days!!!! Here's what I've been up to:

See more photos on my flickr page!

Because doing my taxes always means...

2008-04-12T08:22:00.003-05:00

Making my room look like this!! Granted, I'm also making more things for the Brooklyn Flea, but taxes always = mess!
Digging through piles of quilts to get to my files, gathering receipts from all my little hiding spaces, figuring how much $$ I even make!!!

Ah but it's done so back to making!!

How Cats Shrink

2008-04-10T08:25:00.002-05:00

My roommate got this cute book of cat cartoons by Jeffrey Brown. This one is my favorite!!

More Brooklyn Flea!!

2008-04-09T07:57:00.005-05:00

I almost forgot to share my finds from last weekend! Next time I'm hoping to trade more....

These Earrings are vintage metal sequins

Coffee, yum!! These kids were the hardest working booth... running back and forth to their hot water source in order to provide people with free tstes of their great....fair...beans. I got two pounds!!

Brookly Flea #1

2008-04-08T12:19:00.005-05:00

Dudes, how awesome was the Brooklyn Flea! I had so much fun meeting neighbors and other vendors. It was a weeeee bit chilly, but we survived. Thanks to all the people who bought my stuff and for those of you who didn't make it out... see you next week!!

Aren't Anne's creatures wonderful?!!!!

These gals were great! SO cute!! On spring break from Florida and buying gifts for all their friends... super nice.

Proud Kimmie

2008-04-08T11:09:00.000-05:00

I'm officially the proudest babysitter. I love 'my' kids so much... and their parents too of course. They make me feel so loved and valued! I am one lucky ducky.

So the deal is that I had a birthday a few days my birthday and when I picked up the kids from school it was their teacher who wished me a happy birthday first. "They've been talking about it all day, " she said. Proud moment # 1. Well, I guess it's not so much proud as feeling loved. I was just astonished that they would be talking about me at school and had to squeeze them enthusiastically as a result.

Then, it became apparent that something else was up. I had been told not to make dinner and then Luke said, "Kimmie, I gotta tell you something." He always starts sentences that way. I love it. He's just gotta tell me something. "Today, Mom is going to pick me up and then we're all going to my house and then I can't tell you anymore because it's a secret." Ok kiddo. The jig was up. I kind of suspected a little event when I was told not to make dinner, but then of course in their excitement to keep a secret, the kiddos pretty much told me the secret straight off the bat. How precious are they? There was much crying and arguing in the car every time someone got a bit too close to the secret. I played along and pretended not to know.

At the end of the day I was surprised with a lovely meal with both families made by Luke's Mom Elizabeth who also made the most scrumptious cake of life! A three layer lemon cake with mixed berries inside and lemon frosting. It was great! Ummm, yeah, I totally I had some for breakfast the next day, in case you were wondering.

The best part though was the two beaming children handing me their homemade cards. So proud... and having completed them all by themselves!

Luke's envelope portrays the game that he and Eleanor had been playing earlier in which one person got trapped in a string. In the foreground is another guy, cut/pasted from a separate piece of paper, who's coming to let the trapped person out.

Luke's relationship to drawing really interests me. The other day we were drawing on little ripped bits of paper, discarded from the project Eleanor had gotten frustrated with, and he seemed perfectly content just watching me for a while. He was very engaged though, asking questions at each step and even directing me a bit. On one that looked like a triangle I drew a pizza slice and on another I drew an apartment building because the rectangular shape looked like a Brooklyn Brownstone. When I finished coloring the flowers in the window boxes he turned it over and said, "Now you can draw the back yard here, cause that's where it should go."

I was totally amazed and and just looked at him for a moment. "Wow Luke," I said, " I never would have thought of that! You're so inventive." Then we had a nice long discussion about what it means to be inventive and innovative, which was equally fascinating.

As I've sat with this... I feel like it may just be a big clue into his view of the world, or at least drawing/art. I feel like the supplies (paper, crayons, paints) maybe very real and tangible to him, more so than I tend to think of them. When I sit down to draw I know I'm making a representation or just something beautiful. For him the building was real enough to flip over and imagine a back yard there. His envelope drawing (above) was very real too, like a diagram of the exact event that had happened earlier. What does this mean???? Whatever it is, he's super cool and I'm going to spy on him more to see if I can figure it out!

I was also impressed that Luke had just learned to spell my name. He made this neat little drawing and folded it into his envelope. He said it was him and me.

Then we have Miss Eleanor's card... starting with one GIANT googley eye...

and on the inside her sweet note that nearly made me cry...

The thing that gets me is that she knew what she wanted to say and just wrote it down. She's been reading and writing on her own for a bit now, just sounding things out. Her interest and nonchalance is so awesome. What broke my heart is this awakening ability to communicate in a whole new way. She has a thought and transforms it into words in her mind and then turns it into marks on paper that mean something to all of us. It's just so cool.

Both of my gifts from the kids are really all about them growing and developing and becoming thinkers and makers...my two favorite things. I just stress how awesome it is to witness and be a part of. I love you guys!!!

New Items in my Etsy Shop!!!

2008-04-03T10:27:00.003-05:00

The other day I combined the two things I love most ( well a lot at least!) tiny drawings and making jewelry...and this tree necklace came out! I made a bunch of other drawing necklaces which I will post soon. I'm preparing for the Brooklyn Flea and an up coming paper themed Poppytalk Handmade.
In the process of taking photos, with myself as the only model, I completely missed the necklace... but I kinda like this photo anyway...

This is the new guy

2008-04-01T21:54:00.004-05:00

Last night

2008-04-01T11:38:00.002-05:00

Since I'm not one for idle hands, reading has never been my strong suit. Page turning, while usually enjoyable and inspiring, is unfortunately not as tempting to me as the knitting. But every now and then I exhaust my 'making' options or energy and pick up a book instead. Last night was just one of these nights so I started reading The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.

I'm probably way behind the curve on this one. The back mentions a Pulitzer Prize, the Nobel Prize and heralds it at the most "American of American Classics." I'm sure you've probably read it.

I don't know too much about this time period, the thirties, except that I sometimes consider the idea of wearing a cotton house dress. I also would like to think that I posses the spirit, strength resourcefulness of a woman of the Great Depression.

It occurs to me now, that my grandparents and their siblings were born out of this time period and so it'll be very interesting to read an account of it. My great Aunt Wilma, the oldest of her sisters, took care of me whenever my mom needed a baby sitter. She didn't have a car and walked every where. She always did the dishes and had a habit of moving things on the table and then moving them again three seconds later back to where they had just been. I always thought it strange that she would maybe use a tissue more than once, or fill up the tub with only an inch of water. If I was staying over at her house, she would save that one inch of my cold bathwater and just add a little more hot for herself. I always just took these as personality quirks, but now I'm beginning to imagine more and more, a different story.

Because she was the oldest, she probably grew up with the most awareness of the Great Depression and most likely had to take care of all her younger siblings. She must have learned at a young age, these little saving methods that became ingrained regardless of the actual need for them. I wish I could sit and talk to her about it now.

I'm excited about this book. In the first paragraph he describes the fields before the dust storms:

"The last rains lifted the corn quickly..." and "The weeds grew darker green to protect themselves..."

How beautiful are those images? I can't wait to read more.

Marketing

2008-03-25T11:21:00.002-05:00

I think rounded corners make all the difference, don't you?

Craft Fair Prep

2008-03-20T12:42:00.003-05:00

I took a break from knitting and flying around the room...aka dance rehearsal... today to do some much needed prep for the upcoming Brooklyn Flea.

Hopefully my table will be full of map & stamp jewelry, trees, craft kits and harfs. Probably not too much knitwear, considering the change in weather.

The Brooklyn Flea is going to be a huge flea market in Fort Greene starting in April, every Sunday from 10am -5pm. You'll find it at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave. There are about a zillion vendors listed... crafts, clothes, vintage, antiques, food, furniture... gosh, the list goes on!!

Come visit me!

Plam Sunday

2008-03-16T18:51:00.003-05:00

I made this today out the palms that were handed to me on the street. It now has a home on my inspiration board.

Almond Chicken

2008-03-08T20:37:00.005-05:00

He picked me up at Port Authority and went with me all the way to Brooklyn, my new home. I had moved just one month ago, in January, but was getting back from a quick trip home to visit or maybe do some dance thing. Moving to NY was a big shift from small town Maine and I was thrilled to have him there, even if it was only for a few weeks. I clung to his company during this transition to new life. My new, urban, what-am-I-going-to-do, life.

Once in Brooklyn I did the usual: popped off the train, asked what he might like for dinner and went shopping for supplies. I don't remember him having had any preference of what we should eat, so needless to say, Almond Chicken was my decision. It also happened to be the one 'new' recipe I was kind of good at. I ripped it out of my Martha Stewart magazine to bring with me before the move. Being just out of college, any type of cooking was pretty darn impressive and my mind was set to knock his socks off- either with the outfit I put on after my shower or me cooking in it, whichever affected him first. Typically he could barely contain himself, jumping the gun before any key could unlock a door, but not this time. I guess that should have been a warning.

Quietly he sat while dinner was prepared, enjoyed and cleaned up after. Thankfully, before I started throwing myself at him, he launched into his speech, the speech he had obviously been trying to not get to all evening. Yeah, he dumped me. I'll spare you the details but let me stress- if you're going to break up with a girl, please be kind and do it before you spoil one of her favorite recipes!

Tonight, many years later, I gave it another shot and found it's still a great recipe. A favorite, even. Am I healed? Well, writing this story might prove something, but I'll leave it to the reader to decide.

Almond Chicken
from Martha Stewart Living magazine with my words in parenthesis

1/4 cup bread crumbs (mixed with coarse salt and pepper if you want)
2 lg eggs
2 tsps water (I forgot this oops)
2 boneless,skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
2 tbls unsalted butter
2 tbls canola oil (definitely use canola... I tried olive oil and it burned too quickly!)

(If your frying pan is not fit for the oven... like if it has a plastic handle or something, make up a baking pan with a bit of oil an butter in it also. You can transfer the chicken to it in order to bake in the oven. This is what I do and will always do. That is, until someone awesome chooses the new pots and pans for me off my future wedding registry...)

Preheat oven to 400. Place breadcrumb mixture in a bowl (plate.) (Place almonds on another plate.) Crack eggs into a bowl (big enough for the chickens!!) and beat lightly. Dip chicken first in egg, scraping off any extra with your hands (duh) then dip in bread crumbs. Dip chicken again in egg and then coat with almonds.

Heat oil and butter in skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until nicely browned, about three minutes, and turn over. Cook one minute more then transfer to oven. bake until chicken is cooked through, about 10 more minutes. (I usually go a bit longer than that.)

Tonight I completed my meal with mashed potatoes, orange cranberry sauce and a watercress, bacon & blue cheese salad. Yum.

Tonight

2008-03-07T20:12:00.001-05:00

Rainy Evening catching up on LOST...

Meet Toothy

2008-03-07T13:05:00.003-05:00

Umm, guys... there is a whole bed here

2008-03-07T12:40:00.005-05:00

When ever I block anything, no matter where I put it, the cats seem to find it. Here they are snug as bugs in the rug, ignoring the rest of the big comfy bed. They'd rather sleep on pins, apparently. I wonder what the draw is? This yarn is alpaca/wool and when it gets wet, it does have quite a strong animally smell that maybe they're attracted to. Or maybe they just need to initiate the new object into their lives. Whatever the reason, I'm kind of pleased to see them cuddled together rather than chasing each other around fighting, even if it is all over my knitting! Make knitting not War!

Louis like to 'claim' other new surfaces as well, see. I moved these out for one minute!

Kids

2008-03-06T20:25:00.003-05:00

The other day I took some photos of the kids playing hopscotch. The light was fading, so I put my flash on really low. I love the look of these action shots it's like they should be in a skater magazine! More on my flckr page!!

Desk

2008-03-06T20:07:00.006-05:00

After much messy, messy, jumbled boards for so long... I decide to clean these up so they'd actually be inspirational again!

a paper cutout of me from one of the ladies at the Christmas craft party and my 1920's hosiery box. (the stockings are just as beautiful!!)

This great candid shot is from 1912! I love it because it shows a large group of young people having a picnic in Blue Hill Maine. Usually photos from this time are so posed and I love that the kids are goofing around! Some great red buttons and a drawing of muscle tissue from a gal I met in Montreal.

A tree, tree

Knitting swatches & porcelain cowboys

Shirt, Shoes and Computer required!

2008-03-05T21:49:00.008-05:00

Today Eleanor, Clarissa and I went to the coffee shop for some bagels. We do this often and I find myself constantly hushing them. Why? Because everyone there is on their darn computer... doing very important work I'm sure, that must take up every table in the joint. What is the deal? Every table tangled with wires and empty mugs? It makes me feel guilty for having a conversation! I think from now on, if I want to sing, I'll sing. If the kids want to dance, they can dance! If we want to sit together and laugh and giggle and have um.... human interactions... we're going to!

Walking Home...

2008-03-02T20:45:00.002-05:00

Growing up I lived very close to my schools and in Jr. High and High school there wasn't even a bus to ride home if I wanted to. Although I didn't really appreciate it at the time, this provided me with a lot of freedom and responsibility (just think of all the trouble I could have been getting into!) because whenever I didn't have an after school practice or dance, I walked home.

In Jr. High my route led me up the small hill past the old Tannery, past the back parking lot of Ripley & Fletchers car dealership and carefully across Rt. 26 into the McLaughlin Gardens. There I'd sneak over the back stone wall and climb up the path through the woods headed to my dead end street. I always welcomed the open gate which gave me permission to go this way, since it was infinitely nicer than taking the road.

In High School, when I wasn't scoring a ride with my friend and her brother whose best friend apparently had a crush on me, I also walked home. This journey started with a long trek down the main drag of Rt. 26, then across the Woolworth parking lot. A six step climb through a patch of woods lead to another parking lot, this time of the place where I had girl scouts in elementary school. Then I'd scoot up the hill past Kim Davidson's house, whose mom had been one of my troupe leaders and if I dared, cut through the McCarthy's yard. All I had to do was speedily jump their stone wall and I was safe- home- but I pretty much always chickened out.

I can safely say, I love walking home. When the idea occurred to me today after dropping a pal off at the Fung Wah bus station, I seized it. I decided, since it was right there, to walk home over the Manhattan bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge, as you might imagine, is a lovely walk. It's wooden pedestrian walkway rises high above the traffic in the center of the bridge, giving you an unobstructed view of the whole shebang: lower Manhattan, upper Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty, you name it. It's stone pylons are completely awe inspiring in and of themselves. My first walk home over this bridge was quite transforming, in fact it inspired me to design Brooklyn Bridge Scarf for Son of Stitch N' Bitch (left).

The Manhattan Bridge, which opened in 1909, 26 years after the Brooklyn Bridge, is a different story. It's pedestrian pathway runs along the harbor side even with traffic and trains. Walking across it is gritty, loud, wobbly, distracting, desolate and dark. I highly recommend it.

As you embark on the path (see right) you have the unusual vantage point of being at the same level as the tops of nearby buildings. When on earth do you get to be outside, walking alongside the tops of buildings? You're camouflaged enough by the wire fence to really stop and gawk, taking inventory of plants on windowsills or undies drying on the fire escape. It feels like you're able to notice architectural details that might not have been paid attention to since their original construction and there's something incredibly serene about seeing a few scraggly wild grasses growing out of a chimney, with the towers of Wall Street in the background.

I stopped, for maybe fifteen minutes, to watch a flock of about sixty seagulls, circling and circling for no apparent reason. Compared to the grimy brick projects lined up as a backdrop, their creamy white bodies rivaled the unspoiled effect of an unglazed batch of porcelain. The flock would coast along, starting with huge oval loops at roof height that descended into consecutively smaller loops that took them down to street level. Hovering then, as if caught in a burst of steam from the sewer, they would wait until the last moment possible before flapping awkwardly and cycling themselves back up. Why they were doing this, creating this cyclone, I can't even begin to guess, but it was utterly mesmerizing. I admired them for quite sometime, until suddenly, all but two birds remained. Fairly quickly though, the pair decided to cast their spell elsewhere and I returned to my own migratory path.

In the middle of the bridge I had a very child like desire to throw something into the water. I just really needed to see if a small stone would make a splash or not. It would, I discovered after several tries and much smashing my face into the wire fence, in fact, make a decent splash.

Crossing over to Brooklyn was kind of strange. The bridge practically butts up against the Watchtower complex, a series of maybe four or five ominous looking buildings with covered bridges connecting them. Apparently the Jehovah's wittness' made this area their world head quarters in 1909, the same year the Manhattan bridge opened, but this building was built in the forties. I'm not sure what the deal is here really, but from the bridge you can spy in through the widows to see row after row of numbered cases. Archives, I assume? I hope.

My path continued through the MetroTech center, where I enjoyed some interesting public art installations. My favorite was by Tony Feher, who happens to be the first artist I 'discovered' on my own, loved and excitedly wrote about in college one time. When I saw this today I didn't know it was his, yet it reminded me of him.

Tony Feher's A Little Bird told Me
at the MetroTech Center in Brooklyn

Feher's bird-like habit of collecting of found materials, is particularly suited to this arboreal habitat. At first we see trash where say, a nest might be and in our exploration of that trash, discover the overlooked beauty of a plain old plastic bottle. Filled with a hot pink liquid that defines creases and baubles, the bottles stand out against the dark brown bark of the tree. Each clump of bottles hangs, discarded, like a pair of old sneakers tossed up on a telephone wire. And just like the sacrificed shoes, these everyday objects are suddenly of more cultural merit to us simply for being where they are.

I continued on and reached the massive stair case of Fort Greene Park. In the disappearing light, the place seemed more like a ruin and I, alone to unearth it's treasures. It was at this point that my thought process began to change. Before I had been walking in all new territory, places I had never stepped. But once at the top of the stairs, having tickled the fringe of my home turf, it was no longer about discovery and curiosity, but of relishing. Sounds became more dear: the father encouraging his sons in their game of football, the crumble from a child peddling his plastic wheeled tricycle, the thud thud of a passing jogger. Even the constant city background hum, made up of equal parts cars, trains, sirens and the clattering of dishes and silverware, seemed comforting. From this point on it was familiar. I was really walking home.

On the bridge I had this awestruck pause. I gazed out at the familiar skyline, which for some reason I was obsessed with drawing as a child growing up in Maine and said "I live here. I really live here." It always kind of baffles and shocks me that I could find a sense of home in the same place as millions of other people. My epiphany in the park was similar, but the sense of home much stronger. Why? Was it the proximity to my actual place of residence? The fact that I've been there a lot more times that the Manhattan bridge? Or was it because I knew exactly what lay ahead of me?

Standing in the park I have an instinctual sense of how much time it would take to walk home. I know this because I've done it, many times, laying my migratory path so to speak. Though, I couldn't tell you how many minutes, seconds or blocks it is off the top of my head. I just know that reaching that landmark changed my sense of time internally. It makes me wonder what birds think about as their biology drives them to relocate. Do they feel a sense of excitement, like I do, when they reach a familiar landmark and know they're close? My sense of home is typically wrapped up in towels and sheets, nice showers and good cooking. It's nice to be reminded that it may be a bit more biological than that.

Drawing this morning

2008-02-27T11:52:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I really enjoy the drawing. Even though I don't consider myself to be too good at it, I generally like the way things come out. Without intending to, people's drawings typically have they're own sort of 'handwriting' don't you think? My favorite its to make the most of one piece of paper, but I usually can't draw things right up close to each other (I need a certain amount of space...) so I'll cut each drawing out. Then I have all these little bits of paper to fill in with drawings! The BEST! I have a whole envelope of them. Maybe I should have a show someday.

I totally resort to the draw with pencil, trace with pen and then erase technique. I can never think far enough in advance to get my lines in order otherwise.

I wish I was small sometimes....

2008-02-27T11:30:00.001-05:00

My new intern

2008-02-25T19:39:00.002-05:00

Today dear Eleanor came over to my house and I noticed that she was really interested in my ball winder. I decided to show her how it works and after one skein she was totally hooked and kept going and going.

I think she rolled up 9 skeins for me. She probably would have done more, but i kinda ran out!

New pillows 2!

2008-02-25T14:47:00.005-05:00

At Kj's request I'm showing the before ugly- came-with-the-couch-pillow:

Then these are the finished pillows I made last night. The inspiration came from the combo of two things... that for a long time I've REALLY needed nice new pillows and that after dance rehearsal and brunch with friends I just felt like a quick jaunt across town to buy fabric.

Sometimes you just have to do a simple project. Something easy that you know you can finish in a short period of time, just to remind yourself that you still can. That you still know how to use that sewing machine and turn some flat rectangles of fabric into something infinitely cuter than what came with your couch and have been settling for over a year.

The seams are loose (thank you broken sewing machine) and nothings perfectly square, but the job is done and I am pleased.

New pillows!

2008-02-24T23:29:00.003-05:00

Today, out of the blue , I decided I finally needed to recover the pillows on my couch! Here's the fabric that I got at Purl Patchwork :

The bottom one is a super beautiful brown/black stripe from a Japanese company. It's just gorgeous and modern but also reminds me of homespun you'd find in a country store. I managed to whip up four simple pillow covers before the Oscars were over, I'll post a photo tomorrow in daylight.

Warning you, they're pretty basic... my sewing skills are limited and I didn't have a rotary cutter, so I improvised my straight lines using the wooden floor boards as guides. I figured, close enough for me! I've always been a 'settler' when it comes to sewing anyway. If it's not my measurement and cutting, it's a wonky seam from the sewing machine and somethings bound to go awry! They should hold up for a bit I think.

Maybe my new obsession...

2008-02-24T18:00:00.002-05:00

I bought this celery favored soda the other day thinking it was ginger ale. It was pretty much the most awesome soda I've tasted in a while. I think I'll get really into it this summer. YUM! You should try it.

Betty Bryant: August 4, 1929 - January 16, 2008

2008-02-23T12:50:00.008-05:00

Several weeks ago I lost my grandmother, Betty, and have since been trying to cope, recover, believe it, honor her and most importantly...grieve.

Why is grief so difficult? I get the whole sad part and I figured I was ok with that stuff, but when my mom called to tell me Gram had passed, I just went on with my day. Even at the time, it felt really wrong to do that because it totally downplayed her importance to me. But I was so far away and the things my mom was talking to me about: funeral plans, services, what the nurses said... became a nuisance and I could not deal. What bothered me most was that at that time, the hour before I was to go start babysitting, the only memory I could come up with was sitting at Grams kitchen table playing cards with her.

"Were you close?" people might ask.

Let me think....

Did we have heart to heart talks about the meaning of life? No.

Did we log hours and hours together playing cards? Yes.

In fact the running family tease was how she thought I was a genius because I always managed to win at the color matching memory card game we played. She told my Mom that I must be really something to hardly make a mistake and my mom of course pointed out that I was cheating by seeing the colors reflected on the shiny white surface of the table. Well, she thought that was just as smart since it tricked her.

I don't know why I think closeness with Grandma should equal Norman Rockwell pie baking and Thanksgiving Dinners. I mean, we spent a LOT of precious time together, sitting at that white enamel kitchen table playing games and watching soap operas. I don't remember a time when my gram walked without her walker, which made her a readily available babysitter for me. She was there, at her table, always, watching cars go by and sometimes picking up the phone to answer people's questions about fire permits. (My Grampa was the fire chief) For nearly twenty years after she was moved into the nursing home, her table remained in the same place, arranged just how she liked it, until the house was sold and torn down a couple of years ago.

I was so lucky to grow up with my grandparents living right down the street, within walking distance. They lived right on Main street, at the bottom of the hill to our house, so it was a natural gathering spot. On our way home, mom would always stop us in to say hi. Grams sisters Wilma, Colleen and Barbara who lived right in town too, would do the same. Whenever the "Chief's" car was parked outside, some fireman was bound to pop in as well. While tearing down the house was a family decision, it is still sad to make the drive home now and not see the familiar red house. Amazingly, my mom had the patience and stamina to empty out all of the precious objects, before the house was demolished. She saved a lot of great kitchen stuff just for me and I am so very, very happy to have it in my Brooklyn apartment.

I wanted to honor my Gram by posting all of the things of hers I use almost every day. I don't know how she truly felt about any of these things, but just the fact that they were hers means the world to me. I think of you Gram, every time I touch these.

For my sewing supplies

jewels and buttons

the best ice cream scoop ever!

mixing bowls

cereal bowls

dish towel and mixer

I remember these measuring cups clanking when we opened the cupboard! The pastry blender is awesome.

embroidery forms and crochet hooks

A slip and my favorite necklace... although Gram didn't know who the pictures were of. I asked her last summer when I visited. It's a big mystery.