The Marmelade Gypsy

Gypsy, Work, Love and Play

2012-02-18T08:30:00.002-05:00

I'm working on a series of posts about our trip to Detroit last weekend. Till then, though I'd share a few bits and pieces of the past week.

Gypsy

The Marmelade Gypsy-boy hasn't been feeling so good lately, and on Tuesday I wasn't sure he'd be with us by the weekend.

As many of you know, he in in kidney failure and has been being treated for it nearly a year. Our wonderful visiting vet came and gently told us he was in a "wasting" time.

But she also had some good words of advice -- one is that when an animal is having issues such as this, always wait for three days before making hard decisions. Sometimes this is a new plateau, a step toward the new normal, and not the end. (Or it could be a bug.)

She also reminded us that while he is not in pain, we are to look out for signs of "misery" -- vomiting or seizures, or other things that diminish his quality of life.

I'm pleased to say that my piggy boy who loves to eat and hadn't been doing so good on that topic is coming back. He's alert, engaging with us a lot, and eating more -- even waking me in the middle of the night for food. Works for me!

We know this is another step on the farewell path. But we are so grateful for any time we can share with him that is of joy and of high quality. I know many of you are pet lovers and have had these experiences. We're hanging in there. And to those with whom I've already shared this, your words of support have lifted me when I was really down. Thanks. (I'll need more at some point, and it's wonderful to know I can count on your.)

Work

Work has been a little frazzled lately with lots of projects. But our station was able to secure an interview with Rick Santorum, which is now online. He's leading (depending on the poll) in the Michigan primary polls. This was quite a coup for our public television station.

Now, I won't get political here -- this isn't a political blog. But if there are any Santorum or undecided Republican fans out there who are interested in hearing what he had to say, you can hear it HERE.

Love!

I have enjoyed many Valentine's Day posts on your blogs this past week. On the dreadful day when our vet came and we were afraid we might lose Gyppy soon, Rick made me a lovely Valentine's dinner, complete with roses!

Each year I make him a poetry book with a dozen or so poems reflecting key events in our year together.

The image in the "Gypsy" section of this post is from that book.

Here are a couple of others. This poem is about Rick and his blind friends Nino and Marie, with whom he does a 400-mile tandem ride each year.

And this one is about Rick's favorite bike ride of the year, in New Brunswick.

I love doing these books -- the past ones range from scrapbooks to watercolor books to photo albums to flip books and pop-ups.

Play

So, if I'm so into my Valentine Rick, why am I wearing someone else's ring?

This is the Super Bowl ring of Green Bay Packer, Brad Jones. Jones is a linebacker for the Wisconsin-based team. He was born here in Lansing, went to East Lansing High School and his dad is still here. When a hometown kid makes good, that's always exciting!

Brad gave his ring to his dad, Don, who brought the ring over to show our sports director! When I saw him in the parking lot on the way in, I said I wanted to see it too!

Pretty big -- I was wearing gloves and had it on my index finger -- and it was still big!

I told you I'm working on a series of Detroit posts. I'll just leave you with a sneak preview from one of the four posts coming up on the subject!

Tags to Touch the Heart!

2012-02-15T11:03:00.000-05:00

It seems like eons ago when I started making ATCs and swapping with new friends online. Then I was introduced to tags -- and I fell in love!

There's something about the size of a tag -- bigger than an ATC (as big as you like to make them, I suppose!), smaller than a card.

It can have purpose -- a piece to hang, a bookmark, or (what a concept!) use as a tag!

These are a few of the recent ones. There's a little love in the air...

A nod to the cat friends in my life...

A nostalgic look back at childhood...

A glittery branch from one of the trees up north...

Homage to a favorite children's book...

And, of course, Paris!

Look for Paris posts -- coming in May to The Marmelade Gypsy! Meanwhile, check out Chopsticks and Strings for my latest book posts!

They Don't Make 'em Like This Anymore!

2012-02-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day -- remember cards like these?

The really fun thing about collecting cards is that they're so cheery to share with others. Here are some of the oldies that were saved or that I picked up along the way.

You see, I come from a long line of pack rats.

Yes, I sent that to Grandma.

And yes, I sent that to my mom.

And you know, when I see those signatures, they make me smile -- all those memories of people not here with me on this earth, but always in my heart.

Cards from my dad to his mom, those signed by both my parents, and yes, even my bad childhood scrawl.

E-cards are wonderful treasures to pop up on our desks and brighten our day. But oh! To hold a card in your hand, to save it for years and pass it along -- that is a treasure!

Hope your Valentine's Day is filled with love!

More Valentines!

2012-02-10T15:30:00.000-05:00

Going with my "less is more" trend for Valentines, these are really minimalist!

One of my must-have art room tools is my Xyron Create-a-Sticker (the one that looks like an X).

I must run through miles of ribbon which I then stick on things!

That and a few hearts (thanks to my cookie cutter template) and I'm good to go!

Hope you have a sweet Valentine's Day!

Mmmmm!

Visit other Pink Saturday posts and check out what's in the pink this week! Find the links at Beverly's site HERE.

On Cookies and Growing Up

2012-02-07T20:30:00.004-05:00

It's Girl Scout cookie time. I am reminded of this at work when the children of colleagues come by with their list in hand.

I am reminded when the doorbell rings and it's the little girl from two doors down, bundled up in her coat, smiling, two front teeth missing.

I am reminded when my other neighbor's granddaughters knock on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Must buy from all, even if it's just a box or two!

Oh, I remember Girl Scout cookies. My snotty little East Lansing troop did the cookie thing like others have before and since. I don't remember if we "won" anything. I just remember the cookies! (My mother, who was a troop leader told me years later we were a pretty bratty bunch! We also look hopelessly bored!)

I think if most of the kids in my Scout troop were to look back honestly, we would all say we weren't at all deprived. We lived in a lovely white-bread neighborhood where a donation at school for someone's get well bouquet would tally out equivalent to seven or eight dollars today.

It is the reason my parents moved when I was going into sixth grade. I was getting to be a little brat who wasn't impressed by much of anything and they were going to nip that in the bud by adding a little diversity to my life.

Of course I pitched a fit. What self-respecting ten-year-old wouldn't? But one doesn't have much choice in the matter at that age, so the summer before school began, I moved, leaving behind my best friend Michele (not at all snotty, I might add, and today a tremendously gifted jewelry designer) and the three Loomis girls who were very nice, too. I think (I hope) I probably wasn't all that poofy if I had such nice, down-to-earth and unspoiled friends.

You wouldn't have known I'd made much of a change from the neighborhood, or even from my elementary school. But when I got into junior high, I was surrounded by a wonderful mix of kids from all income and racial backgrounds. That was increased all the more in high school.

When I was in ninth grade, my friend Mary's parents tried to convince my parents to send me to the somewhat more posh, less inner-city school in the next county where "the kids would be more like they are."

Bless my parents. They had no intention of moving me out of the school they had chosen for me, years before I would attend it. It was probably the most significant and important decision that helped shape my life.

I was going to be a Big Red.

I not only enjoyed my years at J.W. Sexton High School, I thrived. My circle of friends was diverse. The shy kid who stammered in front of her junior high speech class became a drama star (well, not quite a star, but a relatively decent actress. And, while some may disagree, not a drama queen, either!). But I did discover this passion for theatre, terrific friends, music and so much more.

Our school board is considering whether or not to close my high school. The choice is between this and another city school. In both cases, the test scores are down, as are enrollments in the district. The thought of seeing this wonderful place close hurts me to the quick. A few years ago, I attended an open house there -- 60 years. I noticed things I'd long forgotten.

Pewabic pottery tiles in the walls...

... mosaic floors...

... a beautiful auditorium. I saw names on the stairway leading to the theatre's dressing rooms I'd long forgotten.

Stunning sculpture.

I made terrific lifelong friends in drama, like my friend-forever, Suzanne, with whom I shared the stage in "Barefoot in the Park."

And I've said goodbye to too many, including beautiful Gail Ulrich, whose heart was as large as the sky and who left this world decades before she should have.

The school board is looking for all the right reasons to close one school and save another. Which needs the least repair? Has the best reputation? Has the most kids walking to school? There are arguments to be made for both.

They don't care that thousands; no, tens of thousands of us, graduated with stories, friendships, life skills, new passions, a sense of confidence and self.

But I do.

So, in another month or so, when all the little Scouts who've come my way bring my cookies, I'll think back to my Scout troop, little girls who wanted to be grown up. And I'll think about what leaving did to help me grow up, too. I hope other kids will have the chance to experience what I did, where I did.

A Note about Photos: Some of the postcards are from my collection and others were pulled via googleimages. Some (tiles, sculpture) were by a fellow named Reid Sprite. Still other photos were shared on the Sexton Facebook page, so thanks, folks, for those. Finally, the cookie jars in the restaurant were taken at Van's Pastries in Grand Rapids. And note, that one looks like my childhood jar!)

Please visit my book blog, Chopsticks and String for a look at Alexander McCall Smith's "The Charming Quirks of Others."

New Valentines for 2012!

2012-02-05T13:24:00.000-05:00

I've learned something about myself.

I'm inclined to think that the simpler I make the cards, the better I like them.

It's not that I don't like lots of layers -- it's just that unless I have just the right materials, I don't think I do them so well.

So, as they say -- "KISS" -- Keep it Simple, Stupid!

These are a few of my new valentines. You saw this one unadorned...

And finished. Just a few buttons. I thought about lace and words. It didn't work for me.

I do find music makes a beautiful background and I was lucky to have a songbook with some romantic tunes.

But I really liked what happened when I added the tea-bag hearts and some antique trim I found at a French flea market a couple of years ago.

The same with this little girl -- here she is plain.

All she really needed were a few buttons and a shiny rhinestone heart (which for some reason looks yellow here -- it must have picked up the light oddly). Too much would have been -- too much.

I do like "before and after" shots!

I've also been doing some watercolor valentines -- just setting them off with ribbon and elevating with pop dots.

I have a few more Valentines to share with you that are much different. They're very simple, and some incorporate tags. Coming soon!

(Speaking of love, don't forget to check out Diane Keaton's memoir on Chopsticks and Strings. I loved this one!)

This Kid Wins My Heart!

2012-02-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

When Greg was little he drew cars. Then he did portraits. He still does beautiful pencil and ink drawings and wonderful larger pieces. Now he's doing abstracts!

These paintings are from his first gallery show. (He did a gallery showing last fall with other ArtPrize participants, but this was different. This was his!)

I never saw Greg as doing "Pink" but these abstracts, which chronicle elements of his relationship with a former girlfriend (don't ask), take the pink-black-white tones to the max and I wish I had a pink house so I could buy one!

He also had two pieces in the collection that were much colder. I'm particularly fond of the one on the left, but his mom bought it! Reminds me of a bird feeder in winter!

There were eight pieces in all and they showed me a different side of this kid -- no, this young man -- I've known for 16 years.

Greg, you've come a long way since you were nine! And I'm really proud of you!

(Check out other Pink Saturday posts HERE, beginning Friday at 3.)

I also have a new book review on Chopsticks and String. Check out the latest Alexander McCall Smith book featuring Isabel Dalhousie!)

A Vintage Paper Exhibit to Treasure

2012-01-29T21:32:00.005-05:00

Recently I checked in at the MSU Museum and was pleased to find this exhibit of pressed and embossed paper art was still in place.

These pieces were often given at Christmas, such as calendars and holiday items, like advent calendars, creches and Santa figures.

I'll save the Christmas pieces for next December, but I thought I'd share a few of the calendars and other pieces that were in the exhibit.

By 1910, Germany, which was at the center of the printing industry, had developed a process of embossing layers of heavy papers to produce colorful wall decorations.

I loved the combination wall-pockets/calendars.

Many of these were produced for companies around the United States. I was particularly fond of these birds, a detail from one of the calendars above. They're so cheery!

And the detail on the love birds is outstanding. (Even if my photo is a bit fuzzier than I wish!)

These puppies were just my cup of tea!

And all holidays came into play -- these patriotic calendars might well look perfect on July 4!

Here's another.

Of course, when it comes to pocket wall calendars such as these, I must say one of my favorites of all time is in my own collection.

My friend Jerry in Paris found this at a flea market. The embossing on the leaves climbing the trellis is deep and the die cuts are clean. It's one of my favorite treasures.

Curator Val Berryman is quite the Santa/Christmas man with an enormous personal collection, which includes these pieces. WKAR Radio did an interesting interview with him at the holidays. It's a couple of minutes long -- if you care to listen, you'll find it HERE! He's an interesting fellow and yes, the resemblance to one Mr. Claus is striking!

Deck the Halls with Hearts So Jolly!

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

If you've been reading The Marmelade Gypsy for any length of time, you know I love holidays and I love decorating for holidays. When December's Santas come down, January's snow people return! And more than a few of them these days are carrying hearts!

Well, Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away, so I thought I'd share a few of the things already up. This beautiful stained glass heart from a good friend starts before Christmas and stays up rather a long time (and will, long past Valentine's day!)

A few flowers? Well, what would a day of hearts and flowers be without them?

And there must be a tree! This wee one benefitted from a few Christmas tree hearts and some cheery ladybugs.

I don't think I'm done yet!

(If you haven't visited Chopsticks and String to check out my take on Diane Keaton's new memoir, come on over!)

Studio Time!

2012-01-24T09:41:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you just have to just take the time to do what you want and love.

Valentine's Day is coming and I wanted to get some cards ready for the shop that sells them.

And it wouldn't hurt to have a few myself.

So, the art table is in business -- all sorts of things are sprawled out as I go between glue, paper, ribbon, buttons and more.

Here's a sneak preview. Doesn't look like much, does it?

But even though I'm keeping this one relatively simple, I'll show you the finished card soon -- along with a few others! You'll see what even just a little embellishment can do!

(AND, I've finally started writing about reading again! On Chopsticks and String check out my take on Diane Keaton's memoir, "Then Again."

Furball Update

2012-01-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

A number of you have asked me in emails "How's Charlie B. doing?," "How's the puppy?" and "How's Gypsy doing?"

So I thought it was time for a furball update.

Charlie B. first -- as you can see, he's much improved!

This isn't the best photo, but it sure describes the action he picked up after his Parvo treatment. He's a whirling dervish and I learned I need the flash to stop the motion!

He's picked up weight -- all muscle and very stocky!

He's definitely Kevin's dog -- he's learned to come, sit and (usually) shake hands.

But Molly is his gal-pal...

...and his Grandperson Rick is smitten, too!

We're glad he likes us, because we all have a financial share in his wellness! (Or will, after payday!)

Gypsy continues to do well with his kidney treatments. He still gets his subcutaneous 20-minute fluid dump every Tuesday. Juicy Tuesday -- the day I load him with electrolytes.

He's hungry all the time, which I understand many cats with kidney disease are.

He'll beg for treats like a crazy boy...

...and if that doesn't work, he plots a devious strategy to help himself!

First, he'll eyeball it, check to see if anyone looks like they'll stop him and then make the reach...

Mission accomplished! The tin tips, the gluttony begins.

(Let me add here that when unattended, we hide his tin. And, we don't give him regular treats -- we give him his dry catfood, which he doesn't digest so well as a meal, in exercise treats, tossing them down the hall or across the room.) I was pretty worried that when the tree came down, we'd find some in the quilt I use as a tree skirt. I should have known better!

The tree is down. Finally. It came down a week ago, with regret.

That said, my Winter Wonderland tree remains and will until close to the solstice. I love the light.

And finally, a comment on my most wonderful winter evening so far. Rick made pasta, Kevin, Molly and Charlie B. came over and they spent the evening. I even won at Scrabble (and that rarely happens -- Rick and Molly are killer Scrabblers!) I didn't want it to ever end. A moment I will freeze in time.

Soon, I'll share my Valentine tree with you! And with any luck, some Valentines!

Cork Poppers Wine, Dine, Design!

2012-01-18T15:35:00.000-05:00

You can't have a Cork Poppers gathering without an abundance of corks!

Meet this month's Cork Poppers "hostess with the mostest!" (Check out the wines we tasted HERE)

Some people make it look easy. Barb is one of them. Even the onions on the counter look like art!

Our wine group meets every couple of months, and we've seen beautiful tables and settings at every venue. But when we go to Barb's, the women get very excited!

We know we'll walk away with one of her centerpieces!

A floral designer in a previous life, Barb knows how to mine her own garden in season (and out, for that matter) and make the most of a bunch of roses.

Corks get flower picks and are included in the arrangement along with twigs from the yard.

And of course she has quite the collection of corks!

Barb knows how to do things simply, yet they look so perfect! I loved these vases and smaller crystal bowls and goblets filled with cork. She also made a garland, knotting corks together on rope. Wish I'd photographed that. She said it was easy, but I fear I'd have made a knotted mess!

You can count on the table looking just lovely!

Everyone gets their place card -- there was a distinct Leonardo feel to these!

Even the food matches the plates!

Of course we hover before seating, everyone making sure their dish is out and ready.

We line up at the counter, load our plates with an embarrassment of riches.

And then just laugh as we work our way through dinner and then dessert!

Our dinners are always great fun, filled with lots of laughter. This time, Barb provided the meatloaf, I came with cheesy potatoes, Anne had the traditional green bean casserole with fresh green beans, Dick had made bread and Meredith brought homemade peppermint stick ice cream and brownies.

Of course, all good evenings come to an end. As we looked out Barb's back door, the moon was a balloon, high above an inky sky -- nearly dark, except for a glorious brightness. We headed home (a centerpiece on my lap), and our memories were of wonderful wines, delicious food, and the beauty Barb brought to every detail.

Cork Poppers Share a Favorite!

2012-01-15T10:05:00.004-05:00

Our wine tasting group, Cork Poppers, hadn't met since fall, so a January gathering was long overdue.

Barb, our hostess, decided that we would have "comfort food" for our potluck and that instead of having wine guide Dick bring all the wine, we'd each bring a bottle of something we enjoyed or wanted to try to share with the group.

This post is in two parts -- this one focuses on the wines. They were all good and there were some fun surprises.

(In the next post, I'll show you some of Barb's great decorating skills -- there are a lot of good ideas there!)

Our first two wines were an extra special surprise for me -- they were both delicious and they were both from Michigan!

Michigan has a lot to offer and it kills me seeing our state take such an economic hit. The wine producing industry has not, to date, impressed me (apart from its beauty and the fun of taking a wine tasting jaunt in Northern Michigan).

But the Michigan whites, I learned, have much to recommend them. The first wine we enjoyed was a Pinot Grigio.

It was a 2009 Pinot Grigio from Chateau Grand Traverse on Michigan's Mission Peninsula. It was crisp, fresh, and totally delightful. Serve it nicely chilled and you will indeed be a happy sipper! Price: $10.99

Next, Dick brought another Michigan wine -- a Semi-dry Riesling 2010 from Grand Chateau Traverse. Price: $10.99

Rieslings are a tad sweeter than I like, but nevertheless, it was quite nice. I could see sipping it on the beach on a hot summer's night! Apparently the 2010 growing season offered one of the finest quality harvests in the past decade -- we had a moderate winter in 2010 and a great spring. This wine certainly brought the best of Michigan to the palate.

Note to the wise -- if you are in Michigan and like whites, these are well worth trying. Michigan can grow the white grapes, but don't look for them in the red department. You'll be sorely disappointed. In the days before I knew this, I made the mistake of buying a Michigan red to take to Rick's dad and stepmom when we visited. It was pricey, but when we tasted it, I was embarrassed. Stick with the whites. They're just fine.

We always drink whites first, then reds. So, we had another white -- Menage a Trois Chardonnay, provided by Pat.

This is the house white at one The English Inn, one of our area's best. The 2009 Chardonnay was fruity and fresh. Price: $8.99 on sale; $10.99 regular.

Roger and Meredith had been to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, during the holidays and brought one of their red table wines. It would have been good no matter what; for a boutique "souvenir" wine, it was very good, worthy of the Vanderbilts themselves!

At Biltmore, the wines are grown on the estate. Cardinal's Crest is named for a ceremonial hanging vine. Biltmore started making wine in 1971 and this one, a nice table red, would be nice with roast or lamb.

Rick was up next with a very nice French Cotes-du-Rhone, a full-bodied red, by Delas Freres Winery. The price at World Market was $13.99.

The web described this as "perfect for a fearless wine lover," but I don't think you have to be so fearless to enjoy this 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone Saint Espirit which is made from a mix of Red Syrah and Grenache grapes. The wine is a mixture of aging in stainless steel vats and 30 percent aged in oak to provide a "touch of wood" to the blend. It was fruity but not sweet and had a lasting finish.

Mike was next, offering an Italian red -- Monte Antico Toscana, 2007.

This 2007 Tuscan wine was a mix of Sangenovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and had wonderful color and an equally delicious flavor. It is a stelvin (or screw top) cap. While this may bring to mind the inexpensive and in retrospect, relatively revolting wines of our youth, our winey friends say it is the most airtight of the seals -- and if you happen to have leftovers, you want to keep the air out!

Then Clayton offered a 2005 Gnarlier Head Old Vine Zin.

This was our most expensive wine at the day, weighing in at $19.99. It's a dry red Zinfandel from the Sonoma Valley (Sommers Vinyard). It was spicy and quite tasty. My notes included the words "seriously good finish." I liked it!

The bad news on this one? The 2005 vintage is no longer available. Too bad. We'd be there!

Interested in having a wine tasting? Here are a few of my favorite hints to make your event great!

Have food available. Especially if it's prior to dinner. Pat (in blue) always brings the best breads and cheeses -- a Stilton or two, a good Gouda or Swiss, a cheddar -- a nice mix of soft and hard. In addition to cleaning the palate and testing as to how they go with the wine, they provide a nice base to offset the alcohol!

Believe me, it saves the day!

Drink water. Often. Rinse your glass from the previous wine, but drink what you rinse -- keep hydrated!

Decant your reds. Letting your reds breathe for any amount of time will help them -- the longer the better.

(Truly, we have had wines that are so-so when you drink from the pour; let them sit a bit and they're quite nice!) Plus it's fun to watch in anticipation as you see the deep red wine in the decanter! Waiting. Just waiting!

Spit or Swallow? Feel free, if you don't like the wine, to give it a toss. We, on the other hand, rarely have one we don't like (or would like seconds of!) so we tend to swallow, sip, swallow again and yes, savor!

Swirl and check the color. There are scientific reasons for this. I just do it because it's fun. And because we're wine tasting, so it looks cool, like we really know what we are doing and why! (Truth be told, you can also see how dense the wine is, if it has "legs" -- those drips that slide down the side of the glass -- and swirling aerates the wine and really releases the fragrance.)

Smell it, too. Because really, it smells great! We try to pick out the scents and match them to things like "berries," "grapefruit," "pepper" or "spice." Sometimes we'll then check the back of the bottle to see what odd things they might mention -- "smoked bacon" (?!) or "kerosene." (Really.) And again, observe the color. Is it clear, dark, golden or lighter. Sometimes you can guess the wine from the color. I just love how it looks so darned pretty in the light!

Temperature: Red wines are served at room temperature (and don't forget to decant or at least open the bottle to let it breathe) and whites are chilled. Champagne takes longer to chill, so consider that when planning your event.

Pouring Etiquette: When someone is pouring for you, don't get overeager and pull your glass out for a sip before they are done. Unless you're outdoors or on tile. (Last night at dinner at a restaurant, I almost did this. I should know better! Fortunately, the hand on the bottle was a quick as my slide of the glass!)

Invite Fun People! Make sure you have fun people involved. We enjoy those who can laugh, tell a story and savor the moment! Avoid the snooty! (Unless you happen to be a tad snooty too!) Faux-snooty, however, can be very good for grins!

Don't Drink? No Problem! I might add, drinking the wine shouldn't be a requirement! One of our regulars skips the reds. Now and then folks are on meds and can't drink. No problem, so long as they have a jolly sense of humor! Stock up on an alternative they'll enjoy and sip along! If you're over-sipping, don't forget to have a designated driver!

Add Potluck! It's fun to do a wine tasting as a cocktail party, but we love our wine-followed-by-potluck method. Often, the dinner is related to the wine, but just as often it's not. Everyone participates and the camaraderie is warm, the conversation spirited, and really -- isn't that the best?

Pick a Theme: The wine tasting in this post was "bring a favorite" but in general our wine guide, Dick, chooses a theme. It may be related to someone's travels (Australia or France) or a type of wine (our next meeting looks at Pinots -- Noir and Grigio); we've done sherries and ports, "wines for a summer's night" and "wines for Thanksgiving."

Unexpected Guests? If you have additional and unexpected guests, make sure the food is either guarded or suitably placed!

And smile. Because really, wine tasting with friends is certainly something to smile about!

I hope you'll try some of these. And savor! If you're new to The Marmelade Gypsy, check the label list on the sidebar for others titled "Cork Poppers" and "Wine." You'll find a variety of posts on wine, ranging from French, German and South American to those of the Amalfi coast, sherries and more.

Fun and Games!

2012-01-14T09:00:00.005-05:00

Here in Michigan, we've had an unseasonably warm January (though tonight it is snowing -- the lovely kind that kisses the bushes and sticks close to the branches of the trees and withered plants. Tomorrow will be lovely and white!)

Nonetheless, the past few weeks have reminded me of summer and the lake. And there's nothing like a small-town traveling carnival for an overdose of pink! So this Pink Saturday, join me for a walk down the runway! Get your magic ticket here!

We'll stop for a lemonade.

Enjoy a snack or two.

Check out one of the games.

Maybe win a prize or two!

And hit the rides!

Let's wrap up the day with another snack!

I don't know about you but I rarely do anything at one of these carnivals but take pictures -- but I'm sure looking forward to the day when the weather is nice enough for the carnival to come to town, when I can hear that carousel music, smell the greasy food and feel the sun wrap itself around me.

It'll happen. It will!

(Check out other Pink Saturday posts HERE! And if you're a book fan, don't forget to stop by Chopsticks and String for a look at my favorite books of 2011!)

I've Walked This Path Before

2012-01-09T22:24:00.007-05:00

I've walked this path before, and you've walked with me.

We've seen herons and ducks from spring to fall, pines and astors. So much more.

This Saturday finds the weather is surprisingly warm for Michigan January day. The sun is bright this morning and yes, a coat is needed and the cheeks feel the sting of the winter air. Yet it is well above the freezing mark as I enter the paths of the ditch.

There are surprising patches of green -- moss, mostly -- but it is bright. One of my favorite colors stares back at me as I look about in amazement.

Rounding the corner, I see my old friends, the ducks, in -- or rather on -- their pond.

They're at rest on the ice, which is beginning to melt around them.

They seem eager to see me. Perhaps they think my pockets are stuffed with bread. They aren't. I wish they were.

Nonetheless, they rush over, walking on frozen water.

Some tumble into the pond, as the thin ice breaks beneath their bodies. One pound? Two? It's clear the days have been warm.

Their energy charms me and their persistent quacking makes me smile.

In their reflections I see the magic of winter -- the shiny glare of the sun reflecting on the melting pond. I am entranced.

Soon enough I feel the chill in my fingers and shove my hands deeper into my pockets, wishing I'd worn a hat.

My feet begin to move now, quickly. Time to warm up. I make my way around the pond, stopping now and then to capture something that intrigues me. Red berries. Dried reeds growing from the water like cornstalks.

I end my walk where I began, looking at reflections of the tall birdhouse that stands in the largest pond.

It's January. The water will freeze again. But it won't be all that long before the ice goes out for good, Harry returns and the ducks will be greeted nightly by families who come bearing bags of bread and chips.

And I smile. Again.

NOTE: A delayed reminder that at Chopsticks and String, I've posted about some of my favorite books of 2011. If you're a reader, check it out and let me know what you think!

What Fascinates Me About Plumbing

2012-01-05T19:04:00.007-05:00

What fascinates me about plumbing is first, that it works. Well, most of the time. How does it know how to do that and where does it go and why don't we all get sick from it? I don't want details. I just want to live with the fascination.

But then, what also fascinates me about plumbing is how some people just go about fixing it and some people call plumbers.

I would be likely to fall into that last category, but since I had a sink with a stuck stopper, another one or two that leaked and a toilet that we still don't have right (fortunately, there are two), Rick said he'd fix it for me.

Sounds cool to me. So, off we go to Jake's Plumbing Supply.

Jake's was started in 1955, according to Kris, Jake's son and now proprietor. That's Kris with Rick -- he's a one-person shop and I'm thinking he does it pretty well.

I'm quite sure some of the stuff there has been there since 1955. And some predates that!

Want a toilet seat? Kris has 'em. 700 of them. He didn't have the 1964-era peachy brown I wanted, but he could order it. (At $55, we're going for a lesser-priced, fake-oak seat.)

Looking for a planter? Kris can fix you up! He had several similar models outside the front door. With plants.

A little office taxidermy? This bunny seemed to hold his own with a neon clock.

Why waste money on expensive signs with your hours? Frugality is smart!

And there's always a little local color. That Oldsmobile bit might go well on Ebay.

How about some parts -- some screw or washer that hasn't been made in years? Not a problem! Some of the stuff here is probably worth a small Internet fortune!

A little bit of wisdom? Just look around!

If you're in need of some fishing lures while you're looking for plumbing supplies, Kris might sell you some of his.

And it's nice to know, they follow through on their work!

I was fascinated by this place. I kept thinking "If you were a brave assemblage artist, all you'd need to do is come in here, and you'd have every supply you'd need!"

Honestly, there was so much stuff there, it made my art room look downright minimalist! While Rick talked part with Kris, I was just fascinated by everything about it!

And he knew where everything was.

The two bathroom sinks are fixed perfectly -- now we can actually use the one in the hall, and the other one doesn't leak.

The kitchen sink still seems to seep a bit. And the toilet? Well, let's just say, I don't think we've seen the last of Kris!

(I'm thinking Kris doesn't get out a lot -- when Rick spotted a picture on his wall of a whole bunch of toilets outside a building, he said "There's this movie -- I think you'd particularly enjoy a scene in it. It's called 'The Help.'" He didn't have a clue. Too bad, because he'd really get a kick out of it!)

Looking Backward and Ahead

2012-01-01T09:30:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure it's fair for any of us to expect a "great" or "perfect" year -- at least as we reach a certain age. Things fall apart (not the least of which is our bodies), old friends leave this world more frequently and things that sometimes seem so steady begin to wobble. Is it the wrecking ball or an opportunity for growth?

Carefully I balance, trying to reach the happy medium, make the right choices, not fall into the abyss.

This year has definitely not been without challenges for me. The big one, the one that really won't go away, is health. I was surprised so many people came to the Marmelade Gypsy to read my post on Chronic Illness. I realized (and really, I knew this before) that I am far from alone.

But it has been a tough go, and while one recognizes others have similar or equally frustrating issues, it doesn't always make it easier. I started last year with pneumonia, which I came down with on Christmas Day 2010. I ended the year with pneumonia, right before Christmas. Neither case was too awful and I got treatment quickly, but it was a painful reminder -- along with tests indicating I don't hold the immunities from my vaccinations -- that elements of my life are more fragile than I think.

I don't think of myself as fragile. I think of myself as pretty tough, ready to take on what I think I should and observe the rest so that when I do take it on (and I probably will), I'll be able to handle it.

I don't like this "thing" that flattens me. I don't like staying away from the new movies because of the crowds. I take offense. So, coming to terms with that is one of my struggles for 2012.

I also saw disturbing and distressing changes in my workplace this summer, which left a number of my extremely gifted colleagues unemployed and the apple cart upset for the rest of us. My mode here is "wait and see." I am reminded that change is difficult and I don't want to make a decision about my future until I see what my present will be when things shake down a little, until the vision our new leaders have for us is presented to our staff. Will it be my vision? The vision I hear from so many of our viewers and listeners every day? I hope so.

Meanwhile, another of my challenges in 2012 is to ready my plan. Are my retirement ducks in a row? I could walk tomorrow with health benefits, but could I manage? What freelance opportunities are available for good writers in my market? Could I do enough with an Etsy store to help support me? It's time to put pen to paper and see if I can tough it out to 62. Just in case.

I said goodbye to dear friends and a family member in 2011.

The loss of the people, particularly a colleague with whom I worked for nearly 30 years, reminds me of my own mortality. I know more losses will come in 2012. I must prepare.

I turned 60 this year. Good thing? Mostly. Glad to be here! Rick surprised me with a wonderful party and it was a terrific day. But with it came concerns for mortality, the realization that on the continuum of however long my lifeline was, I was significantly into the latter half.

With that came questions. Am I doing the right thing with my life? Where do I go next? How do I really want to live what's left of my life? That event, coming on the heels of some loss of dear friends and the job changes filled me with emotional chaos. I must trust in my instincts, believe in myself.

Gypsy has had his health challenges this year, but I am grateful that he is doing well with his weekly injections.

Most times, when he's not too wiggly, I love Juicy Tuesday -- 20 minutes of holding and petting him while his body fills with the fluid that helps keep him well. I sing our cat songs to him, occasionally pass on a little treat and am grateful Dr. Anne has helped my boycat stay lively, happy and loving.

While the internal chaos was raging (and continues to do so), I enjoyed plenty of good times this year, a number of them with you.

On travels, I met Rosemary in Nashville...

... and Beth in Kansas City.

I met up withand Diana and Kerry Lee in Chicago for a weekend in June, which I wrote about here.

I met Becca (in red) and reconnected with Anno. (Above) Linda and I spoke several times on the phone, first as she was grieving the loss of her mother, then when she read between the lines of a post I wrote and called in concern. At the end of the year, I met Sandy at a holiday party of a mutual friend!

I also discovered some wonderful new blogs this year and enjoyed participating in one-on-one swaps with Jenny in England (below), Stefanie in Germany and with Joanne, down the road in Kalamazoo.

I hit the road this year!

There were wonderful work-related trips as well as travel with Rick, family time and many good moments at the lake.

I was able to see friends from Canada, Ohio and from my PBS world. I enjoyed canoeing in North Carolina and beach frolicking in South Carolina.

Most of all, and perhaps because of so many of the challenges, my relationship with Rick has deepened as he has been my rock and greatest source of support.

It isn't that I didn't know that before or that I had any doubts. But I know that he's there, when I look terrible, feel worse, am sore with grief, am tense and distressed with change. I think he's learned that sometimes I need to cry, and that he can't fix it. All he needs to do is be there, and he is. Talk about a gift. Here's to you, Rick.

I look forward to 2012. Can't guarantee I won't be sick, but Rick and I will be getting on an airplane this spring come hell or high water and when we get off, we'll be in Paris.

We'll go behind the blue doors that lead to our friend Jerry's courtyard, climb the five flights to his apartment (ouch! I will pack lighter this time!) and then down again as we explore the City of Lights. (I'll probably be re-taking my French class, another 2011 activity I enjoyed!)

We're excited about the future for the boys, based on events of the past year. The way Greg handled guests at his ArtPrize reception introduced us to a young man whom others found creative and interesting -- it wasn't just us! He'll have his first gallery show in Grand Rapids in January.

Kevin had a six-month internship with Georgia Pacific in Atlanta this year, after which Georgia Pacific offered him full time work after graduation in May. He'll move to Duluth and we'll miss him, but he'll have Charlie B. to keep him company.

Speaking of Charlie B., he's out of the vet clinic and doing well. (Skinny, but lively!) And Kevin is learning the responsibilities of "parenthood" when he asked if we could watch the dog on New Year's Eve and we had plans!

In 2012, I look forward to grappling with my future and the internal torment I experience daily as I also try to keep the best attitude possible, see the good through the challenges and the growth that change can bring. Sunflowers pop up in places where they weren't planted. What will pop up for me?

No matter when I choose to change the course of my work life, I cannot do it without a plan, so this year brings planning as well. Exploring opportunities.

There are givens -- at least I hope they are givens. The return of Harry the Heron this spring. I'll savor those walks as I try to capture better photographs than the ones before.

There are times to savor with Rick.

And times to savor with Gypsy...

So many of my blogger buddies pick a word each year that is a guidepost. I've always struggled with this -- how do you put it in one? And yet, I think I have found it. Savor.

Savor the time I have in my work, being grateful for my job, the new opportunities that may ensue. Savor the relationships I have with my colleagues, my family, my friends. (And let me say we were much younger in that photo below!)

Savor the moments I find with my creative muse.

Savor every moment with Gypsy. Every single one.

And savor each visit from and to every one of you.

Here's a toast -- to 2012, to savoring life and learning to live with its challenges.

Season of Frenzy -- Celebration Edition, Part Two

2011-12-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Preface: Some of you asked about the reference to soap in the last post. If you saw the movie "A Christmas Story," you may remember when Ralphie says a bad word -- not Fudge. (You can see that scene HERE.)

His mother makes him suck on a bar of Lifebuoy soap, during which he imagines himself having gone blind from soap poisoning. Let's just say that during the plumbing incident, Rick didn't say "Fudge." The ceremonial licking of the soap was his penance!

* * * * *

The good thing about having one Christmas on the evening of the 23rd and the morning of the 24th is that there is time to have another!

'We didn't really have "real" Christmas Eve plans. Kevin and Molly were at her parents' and the three of us weren't sure what we'd do. Then Rick talked to Paul Davis.

Paul and Bonnie live in the neighborhood where Greg grew up and he and Matt were friends from Kindergarten.

Both were creative, in the same Scout troop (with Paul and Rick overseeing the Pinewood Derby and a massive cake-baking fundraiser!).

So, when Paul said, "Come on over for pizza," we were so there!

As we walked in, he said "After dinner, we're making Christmas ornaments and you can make as many as you like, but you have to leave one here for our tree."

Is that not the coolest thing ever?

Rick, Bonnie Paul, Paul's dad, Matt and Greg. I am taking the picture.

So, make we did! Rick turned out a bicycle.

For my ornament to leave behind, Paul is showing a pizza I made to remember the evening by.

I also made the cat below and a very cute choirboy that photographed very badly!

Of course, there's one in every crowd!

Greg made this creature that must speak for itself.

I can't describe it, apart from that it was a creature with a purple headdress sitting in an elaborate chair holding a shotgun! It attracted quite a bit of interest during its creation as Matt chipped in with a support system!

I think a lot of you will "get" this -- to me, sharing an evening with good friends and having the chance to do an art thing was so over-the-top for me, I'll never forget it!

Christmas Day brought presents in the morning with Rick and Gypsy.

The evening brought friends Mike and Kate over for dinner (with Richard stopping in later).

I have to say -- I'm going to make a "Flat Jeanie-on-a-Stick" -- like a flat Stanley, so when I'm the photographer, Rick can hold me up and I'm still in the photo.

Gypsy and the Bow

I said I'd tell you about what Gyppy thought of his Christmas bow. He looked so cute, with his polka dotted bow, that when I left for Christmas #1 at Rick's, I left it on Gypsy. But when I came home later to get something, it was nowhere to be found. I assumed he had snagged it going behind the tree.

But later, when in the bathroom for obvious reasons, I happened to look in the toilet.

(Good thing that didn't get flushed down, or it would be Kevin and his plunger to the rescue a second time!

Couldn't even say "bad cat" because it was so darned funny! And he's so darned cute!

Hey, mom, I'm innocent!

About the Puppy... We're still waiting for the final verdict on Charlie B. Barkin' -- but he's responding to treatment and Kevin says he's really skinny, but he should be coming home today (Thursday!). Thanks everyone for your good words; I can't help but think they helped!

Season of Frenzy -- Celebration Edition, Part One

2011-12-26T10:52:00.010-05:00

Today is Boxing Day and I should be out getting a good deal on a new camera. Maybe later -- I suspect all the crazies are out there right now! So, I'm just reveling in the past few days of holiday activity.

Our Christmas was filled with the good...

The gathering of family...

The annual Christmas cookie decorating on our first Christmas Eve...

A pretty table, a delicious dinner...

And presents!

The bad...

Kevin gets an adorable puppy.

Everyone loves Charlie B. Barkin'...

Who is sweet, placid, cuddly, adorable...

...and who came from Animal Control with a disease called Porvo.

(Charlie B. is currently at the vet getting a $1,000 treatment -- everyone chipped in -- and our fingers are crossed that they got him there in time and that he'll recover from this serious canine disease.)

The ugly...

So, it's Christmas Eve #1 and Greg puts carrot peels down the garbage disposal. This is taboo in Rick's house. With good reason.

It was rather colorful articulation that occurred...

Rick started; Greg took over. It didn't work.

Kevin to the rescue with the plunger idea. (Initially pooh pooed. But it worked!)

We didn't have Lifebuoy.

Irish Spring had to do!

The ceremonial licking of the soap.

The wonderful...

Our annual Christmas cookie decorating!

We started this when the kids were little as a way to do something on Christmas Eve after dinner that didn't involve video!

Love the concentration, with everyone working hard to get theirs just right!

Molly wrestled with year-old frosting in a tube. So far, no one has died from eating the cookie.

As always, Artist Greg does one cookie. One really spectacular cookie!

And that's just the first Christmas Eve! Next time we'll show what we did on Christmas Eve #2 -- and what Gyppy really thought of his bow!

Season of Frenzy -- Get Real Edition

2011-12-21T15:48:00.015-05:00

It is Tuesday, December 21, as I write this. One day until the Solstice, which will bring with it the return of light.

Not that Michigan winters get a lot of sun even during the daytime, but it will be nice to leave work when there is more than 10 minutes of daylight!

How many of us say (sometimes every year) -- "This Christmas isn't going the way I'd like it to."

Sooner or later we (or I) am forced into getting real. Because sometimes magical real isn't cutting it.

Real is having a bug that lays you flat a few days before Christmas -- when you are already forced into celebrating on the 23rd.

Real is being so embarrassed you can't stand it because you were so sick you forgot to tell the friend with whom you were having a belated birthday dinner (and she was treating!) that you were sick, so when she came to the door, Death Warmed Over greeted her.

Real is celebrating Christmas on the 23rd -- a day you really don't want to just on general principle -- because kids have other plans. (We coped with early Christmas for eons when it was just us and the kids' mom, but being forsaken on Christmas Eve -- and it does feel like being forsaken -- so youngest can celebrate with his girlfriend's family -- hurts his dad and I a good deal. Probably a good deal more than it should.)

(Real is also feeling like a pouty, petty grinch for even letting this get to me, because really, who doesn't have to deal with this all the time, for eons and across miles. And we love her a lot! She could be a shrew we hated, but this one is a keeper!)

Real is feeling guilty for wishing they were small again, leaving out reindeer food with Tab and wine long after the gig was really up!

Real is not having the presents you want to get because aforementioned illness and fever keeps you from finishing up.

Real is not having the cards done for the same reason.

Last year's dinner setting

Real is being told by Rick "I don't think you should cook for other people" when I still haven't finished the giveaway baking. (And was mighty glad at least the nuts, bread and some cookies were done before this happened.)

This year's Christmas Eve decorating cookies will be baked by someone else. (These are last year's, as you might suppose!)

Real is being grateful you store the smaller trees with their lights and even a few ornaments on!

Real is looking around my house (which looks pretty darned good for a woman who was having trouble getting it together) and saying "I wish I had brought up more ornaments from the basement."

(This tree wouldn't have been decorated much at all without Rick.)

Real is looking at the lovely cards that have arrived, some created by artist friends like these three from Samantha (left), Stephani (center) and Joanne (right) and being so grateful I know you talented women -- and many more.

Real is looking at the tree and knowing there are gifts from friends across the miles -- and that with one exception, my packages are mailed. They might not arrive till late, but they are mailed!

Real is going with Rick to get a REAL tree for his house -- one so big it balances precariously on the roof!

Real is struggling a bit with the stand, making sure the tree is straight (and having to cut off a chunk of the trunk because of a bad original cut.)

And real is setting it up, having to cut off part of the top so the angel his grandma made will fit!

Real is Rick making pizza crust! Yum!

And real is welcoming Kevin and Molly home to top the pizzas after missing them both for far too long...

Real being together to decorate the tree.

Real is being grateful that my aunt Iris gave me my grandmother's punch bowl, making it a lot easier to decorate!

Real is being relieved I could bring up handfuls of Santas instead of carrying the big box and trying to figure out where I would put them all. (For me, this is minimalist.)

Real is trying to get a picture of Gypsy in his jingle bell collar (which is really my stretch bracelets, and that reminds me, I need them back.)

Real is REALLY trying (and wishing I'd replaced my broken camera before Christmas and wasn't relying on this trashy one I had before! He looks a little like "Children of the Corn.")

Slightly better. Not much.

Real is missing your parents so much you start to cry while you're writing this sentence about how much you miss them.

And real is longing for times with your cousins like the holidays of old, even though the ones of now are just fine. And after all, if I didn't have today's, I wouldn't have Rick.

Real is knowing Mom would take it in stride.

Real is knowing that the friends who have surrounded me have sent me warm greetings and good wishes, knowing I'm as much as basket case because of Christmas as I am being sick again.

Real is an office colleague who says "stay home" and I'll cover if I need to. (When I'm healthier, he'll get more than nuts. Bread, maybe.)

Real is having a great doc who got me in, gave me meds and they are beginning to work. So for our first Christmas, I should be good to go. By the real one, I should be really good.

Real is finding some time to look at the lights inside, because there isn't much outside. And the lights inside are prettier.

Real is knowing there will always be another scarf to make or card to send and sometimes you just have to stop. It's knowing there are twelve days of Christmas and you may as well plan on using all of them.

Real is knowing that no matter what happens over the next few days, no matter what doesn't get baked or wrapped or bought, really won't matter, because my world is filled with people (and a cat) that I love and care about immensely, and who care about me.

And that's really important.

May you have a holiday filled with all things real and do your best to take them in stride. I'm trying.

I really am!

Merriest of Merries to you!

Season of Frenzy -- Shopping, Friends and Ideas!

2011-12-16T15:13:00.000-05:00

We're counting down and of course, more behind than ever, but doing my best not to stress about it!

Rick helped me decorate my big tree -- pix to come. But here's a helpful hint. If you have a cat (especially a curious one), consider anchoring your tree with big boxes of kitty litter on each leg. The extra 25 pounds will protect the tree from falling and you won't have to buy kitty litter for a bit!

On the home front -- playing with a bit more easy decorating. (I may have a lot of trees up, but they are small and had lights on when they came up from the basement, so there are few ornaments on most of them!) I liked tossing silver balls into my shells from Myrtle Beach.

And I loved rediscovering this sweet Santa couple from my past when splunking in the basement last week. The paint is peeling -- no, just dropping off in powdery bits! (Lead, I'm sure.) I've not had them out for a long while.

But as you can see from the photo below, they are definitely golden oldies and it's nice to have them there with me this year, reminding me of mom and dad.

I've been shopping -- locally when I can. Here's a photo from Vets, Too. Vets is a hardware store in Lansing, and the gift shop next door has some lovely things year round. Most of the photos in this post are from there.

Summer Schriner (of Grace in Lansing, where we visited a week or so ago) cites The 3/50 Project as a great tool for people to take action by. The concept is for financially able residents to spend $50 at three different locally owned brick and mortar shops in their city. According to the 3/50 website

For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home. (Schriner quoted from Lansing Capital Gains).

Makes sense to me.

Time with friends. In my last post we visited the adorable Sweetie-Licious bakery in DeWitt, where I enjoyed tea with my friend Judy.

A few days later, a group of us got together for lunch. It's hard to get a group of nine all in one place at the same time and we didn't do it that day, either. Those of us who were there laughed, celebrated each others' triumphs, offered support for the challenges and had a divine time. Which, of course, is what the holidays are all about.

Rhonda, Jeanie, Holly, Kate and Jane

So, on this Saturday before Christmas, game on! Time to check inventory, wrap for mailing, do some shopping and work on getting our cards.

Rick will take a break from the bike today -- later we'll get his tree so we can decorate it tomorrow!

There are presents to be wrapped -- and I want to take photos at the museum's Christmas exhibit this weekend, too!

So, I'd best put on my big girl boots, start softening butter for this weekend's baking marathon and start taking inventory.

Christmas is coming and this woman is on a mission!

Season of Frenzy: Sweetie Edition

2011-12-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season to run around, find gifts, decorate, wrap. I think it's time for pie!

That means a visit to Sweetie-Licious Pie Pantry and Bakery in DeWitt! (And yes, they mail order!)

Linda Hundt, the Sweetie herself, is the winner of the National Pie Contest (as seen on Food Network), along with a number of other contests. Check out her delightful blog, too!

One bite of her tasty treats and its easy to see why!

But a visit to Sweetie-Licious is more than sweet treats, especially at the holidays.

So, enjoy a few of my favorite touches from one of the tastiest places in town.

It all begins with a welcome.

Then you enter -- and see the line! It moves quickly and besides, that gives you time to puruse all the options -- decadent cookies, large deep dish pies (Tom's Cherry Cherry Berry Pie is a hit!) and enchanting cupcakes -- I was fond of the coconut covered white cupcakes! The cabinet below this display is filled with treats!

Take a look left, right, up and down. You'll see a giant story book hanging from the ceiling...

...the "Pixie Pantry" atop Linda's signature pink boxes, all awaiting pick-up.

Here's a closer look!

A jolly Santa climbs down a vintage chimney.

Sweet vintage villages remind us of our childhoods...

...while a cute sign reminds us that special orders are available.

Holiday balls and greens are another reminder of the holiday.

Like we needed it. (The reminder, I mean. We always need pie.)

Feel like cooking? Grab an apron! The vintage textiles look perfect here!

And if you're looking for some reading material, you'll find a book or two to enchant you!

Settle in for a snack at one of the three tables -- or a salad or quiche.

Or, if you prefer, just take pictures! It's hard not to!

The fact is, Sweetie-Licious is just so darned sweet that you might not even need to have a snack to get that happy sweet feeling.

But you'll want to. Time to make pie?

Word on the street is "it's easy!"

(Thanks, Linda, for letting me shoot to my heart's content! And the Lemon Cherry Bomb cookie gave me the energy to do it!)

The Scary Masks of Krampus

2011-12-07T06:35:00.013-05:00

Last March, as part of a greater exhibit on masks, our MSU Museum had a lovely small exhibit on "The Scary Mask of Krampus.

In Southern Germany and Austria, St. Nicholas comes to visit children on December 5 to see if they have been well behaved and done their schoolwork.

If they have, they receive a treat. If not, they have to answer to Krampus, the devilish and frightening traveling companion of the good St. Nicholas.

The exhibited depicted the good St. Nick and the evil Krampus.

Also included were other Santa masks, advertising and ephemera. (The mask below is from J.C. Penney Company.)

The beautifully curated exhibit (by the museum's Val Berryman, the ultimate holiday fan!) all featured masks (a theme at the museum this year) and other displayed items had some relationship to the story of Krampus or to Santa in general.

Collectively, the exhibit helps tell the story of "Santa" and the advantages of "being good" in cultures around the world. while also emphasizing the merriment and the intrigue of being concealed by a mask.

In Russia, Grandfather Frost is the Russian Version of Santa Claus. He and his granddaughter Snegurochka come to the children on New Year's Eve, rather than Christmas. The travel in a sleigh pulled by three horses.

Grandfather Frost pulls his gifts from a babushka or a scarf he has made into a bag.

The exhibit combines the vintage and the contemporary.

This Krampus mask (above) was made in 2004 in the shop of woodcarver Josef Streitfelder (Berchtesgaden, Germany) by his 26-year-old son, Stefan. Stefan also plays Krampus in the December 5 and 6 Saint Nicholas processions.

Modern day masks reflect Hollywood horror movie demons, such as the one above, made with real goat horns and fur pelts from long-meadow sheep.

Marketers have never been immune to using Santa to their advantage. The mask above was one given to children to promote a Christmas Savings Club at a bank in Auburn, Maine. (1930s/'40s)

This mask (linen-backed paper) was given out by the M&R Show Company of Toledo, Ohio.

This beautifully rendered mask (1920s-30s) advertises Bradley's Knit Wear.

Even restaurants took advantage of the "merry old elf." The menu below was given to children dining at the restaurant in the Strawbridge and Clothiers chain in Pennsylvania and Delaware in the 1940s and '50s.

The menu is printed on the back, with a full meal costing about 50 to 65 cents!

Of course, commercialism in the holidays and using Santa's image to sell is nothing new!

Santa appeared in a Parker Pens ad, while everyone familiar with Whitman Chocolates know they pull the heartstrings to sell candy at the holidays.

Many masks in the display were given as advertising premiums by various businesses, so even children could play Santa Claus. In larger stores, Santa himself handed out the masks. This jolly elf came from Mellingers, a California grocery store, estimated to be late 20th century.

The Book of Magic was a special children's section in the December 25, 1921 edition of the Boston Sunday Advertiser.

It had a two-page spread with an oversized, full color Santa Claus mask. The user would cut it out and mount card board or fabric.

If you have some of these more recent boxes in your stash, consider yourself lucky!

This exhibit not only looked at the older, more traditional masks, but those from contemporary technology as well.

The advent of plastic offered cheap masks, not designed to last more than a season, the one below is late 1960s-70s (Hong Kong).

We started this post talking about Krampus. If you think he's only a character of German and Austrian holiday lore, think again!

The Grinch clearly has Krampus origins and he remains a holiday favorite today.

To see related posts on other MSU Museum holiday exhibits from years past, check out THIS POST (Santa adverting), THIS POST (Holiday Crackers) or THIS ONE (Christmas tea tins).

(My thanks to the MSU Museum, on the campus of Michigan State University. Val Berryman has curated a new exhibit and I hope to get over there in the next week or so, so that I can share it with you! And all the info in this post is from that posted by Val at the site. Thanks!)

Bit of Holiday Cheer

2011-12-04T12:58:00.007-05:00

A big orange cat is sitting beside me this gloomy Sunday morning. I'd like to think it's too early for him to be trolling for treats, but the fact it, it's never too early or too late. Not receiving satisfaction, apart from a couple of rubs of the head, he jumps off.

Much to do, yet I can't seem to get any of it done. Well, I've finished a bit. Yesterday I bought a lovely wreath which I jazzed up with lots of floral pics that I've saved from past arrangements. Pretty cheery.

My inner door arch, bought a couple of summers ago at an antique shop, needs less decoration. Just a simple "believe" ornament.

I've been bringing out some -- not all -- of the Santas. (Most of the snowpeople don't appear till January.) You'll see those later, but I did add a bird's nest to the mantle with pretty wee blue glittery and shiny balls.

Trees. I do serious trees. This year, I can't seem to make myself drag the ornaments up. This one in the kitchen was easy -- small tree, small box of ornaments right beside it. It's cheery cooking in a decorated kitchen!

Most of the other trees were put away with lights on them. Only the big one is stripped. One by one, over a period of days, they are coming up. So far, no decorations for the most part. My sun-moon-stars tree (aka the Solstice tree) is nearly devoid of its traditional thematic elements. Instead, I started throwing whatever was available and at hand on it. Dried hydrangeas from fall's arrangement, some dried golden pods from the store, again for fall.

(Frankly, I'm not so sure about the hydrangeas... I think they're a little large for the tree. But it was quick. I can edit later.)

I need to photograph some of the clipboard ornaments I made. Haven't yet.

I did have a fun shopping bit with friends one evening last week at a store called Grace.

Holly (on the right with Sharon) organized an "after hours" at the Old Town boutique.

I'm anything but a clothes horse, but I really appreciate locally owned-and-operated businesses and I'll do what I can to support them.

Most of the stuff is a little pricey for my budget and more sophisticated than my cords-and-sweater style, but really beautiful, and I did find a few stocking stuffers.

Shopping local is a goal for me this year -- if I don't make it and you can't eat it, then it had better support a local merchant.

Summer, the owner, graciously welcomed our small group with champagne and truffles.

Kate was loving the green scarf, but opted for a purple sweater.

Writer Judy and TV news anchor Jane, two of our fashionistas, both found some treasures, too!

Laundry and other tasks call. Maybe a nice, upbeat holiday CD. If I get trapped into Hallmark movie marathons (and I always do), I'll never get anything done. (Honestly, you see them over-and-over and I still watch and still cry!)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Winter!

2011-11-30T14:35:00.007-05:00

We had our first big snowstorm of the season last night. And this morning, it was truly a winter wonderland.

“Is it snowing where you are? All the world that I see from my tower is draped in white and the flakes are coming down as big as pop-corns. It's late afternoon - the sun is just setting (a cold yellow colour) behind some colder violet hills, and I am up in my window seat using the last light to write to you.”

-- Jean Webster, "Daddy Long Legs"

“All Heaven and Earth
Flowered white obliterate...
Snow...unceasing snow”

-- Hashin, Japanese Haiku: Two Hundred Twenty Examples of Seventeen-Syllable Poems

At the ditch, the snow was deep, the ponds still, the trees laden with white.

“A few feathery flakes are scattered widely through the air, and hover downward with uncertain flight, now almost alighting on the earth, now whirled again aloft into remote regions of the atmosphere.”

-- Nathaniel Hawthorne

The giant pine outside of Rick's house was carrying its weight in snow.

He's away this week. I'm hoping his kindly neighbor will plow him out!

My street? It still isn't plowed, this evening, many hours after the snow. If it freezes, we'll be driving in ruts till it melts!

“I love snow for the same reason I love Christmas: It brings people together while time stands still. Cozy couples lazily meandered the streets and children trudged sleds and chased snowballs. No one seemed to be in a rush to experience anything other than the glory of the day, with each other, whenever and however it happened.”

-- Rachel Cohn, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

The snow was endless, a heavy blanket on the outdoors; it had a way about it. A beauty. But I knew that, like many things, beauty could be deceiving.”

-- Cambria Hebert, Whiteout

“Snow flurries began to fall and they swirled around people's legs like house cats. It was magical, this snow globe world.”

-- Sarah Addison Allen, The Sugar Queen

“It looks like something out of Whittier's "Snowbound,"' Julia said. Julia could always think of things like that to say.”

-- Maud Hart Lovelace, Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown

“Let every man shovel out his own snow, and the whole city will be passable," said Gamache. Seeing Beauvoir's puzzled expression he added, "Emerson."

"Lake and Palmer?"

"Ralph and Waldo.”

-- Louise Penny, A Fatal Grace

One must be careful at the Ditch. Plowing is not part of the experience. Neither is shoveling, though there are buckets for salt. Still, lovely it is...

“Anne came dancing home in the purple winter twilight across the snowy places.”

-- L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

“In the nineteenth century, Fritjof Nansen wrote that skiing washes civilization clean from our minds by dint of its exhilarating physicality. By extension, I believe that snow helps strip away the things that don't matter. It leaves us thinking of little else but the greatness of nature, the place of our souls within it, and the dazzling whiteness that lies ahead.”

-- Charlie English

“A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.”

-- Carl Reiner

Personally, I prefer my ice in cubes. But you can't deny -- it's lovely! Let the caroling begin!

A Perfect November Day

2011-11-26T08:31:00.005-05:00

It was a flawless November day. Flawless and shocking, this Friday after Thanksgiving. The sun was bright, the temperature an unseasonable almost-sixty degrees. The sky? A pale blue, a few wispy clouds here and there, high and unthreatening.

Several days later we'd be warned that two-to-four inches of snow was expected over the next couple of days. But on this day, this uncharacteristic day, snow seemed an impossibility.

The walk to the ditch was particularly pleasant. The neighbors were out in force -- walking dogs, raking leaves or -- like my neighbor Frank -- putting out Christmas lights.

Everyone wanted to stop for a chat -- it mattered not that we were strangers. On this day, we were all friends.

The ditch was awash in quiet colors on the shore, water reflecting the flawless blue sky. There were reeds the color of wheat, berries deep red. A lone nest, visible through bare branches.

A few stray leaves remained, orange and bright.

A few dried leaves remained on the barren branches, but for once, one could see more than one pond at a time. It was stark, yet surprisingly lovely.

At the ditch, the ducks were in full force, gathered in the center pond.

A family came along, carrying a bag of bread. They were extremely popular, attracting ducks of every size and color.

Even a little one was getting her first lessons in duck feeding, to her joy and amazement.

To our amazement, a muskrat appeared on the scene. Apparently the ducks were too close to the nest, for he (or she) began chasing them, swimming after one, then another.

You can see the muskrat in the photo below -- right in the middle, looking a bit like a floating board.

He darted through the water so quickly it was difficult to get a clear photo!

I wanted to stay forever.

Soon trees looking like this one will pop up in homes all over the country. But I'm not so sure that any one of them could be so captivating as this burst of green in an otherwise muted palette. Brighter, perhaps. More elaborately decorated. But beautiful? I'm not so sure.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011!

2011-11-24T08:02:00.005-05:00

My Thanksgiving Wish for You

May you enjoy time with people you love.

May you savor wonderful flavors and delicious dinners.

May you think of family and friends, past and present, near and far.

May you hug one another and value each and every moment you have to spend together.

May you avoid the pitfalls of family arguments, from politics to religion to "mom always liked you best."

May you give thanks for what you have -- and not dwell on not what you don't.

May you cope with grace and acceptance with dinner that's ready at different times, gravy that lumps, stuffing that isn't your own (it's stuffing -- what's not to love no matter who makes it!) and the scales the next morning.

May you enjoy parades or football, Scrabble or a long walk, a road trip or welcoming friends and family.

May you celebrate with love, gratitude and grace for the gifts we receive from challenge, the strength we can build from loss and the joy that exists in the smile of a stranger, an unexpected call from a friend and the love that is present in the touch of a hand, a gentle kiss, a warm hug or a benevolent grin.

May you have a lovely and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving.

Season of Frenzy - Thanksgiving Edition

2011-11-19T08:37:00.001-05:00

Holidays. They are SO here!

Thanksgiving is a favorite. It doesn't matter what you believe or if you have a gift budget. It's all about food, family, friends and gratitude.

This year, we're having Thanksgiving dinner with friends who kindly told me to bring nothing but the wine. Usually, this would be my day of making pumpkin trifle and stuffing. Rick would handle the turkey. I'd use the turkey dishes that were my mom's. I love it.

I am so glad I don't have to do that this year.

That said, I'm still thinking of some of my favorite holiday prep tips and I thought I'd share them with you.

Decorating

Thanksgiving decorating is the easiest of all the seasons. No egg dye. No special lighting. Just look around.

Pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn are still readily available in the stores -- or perhaps in your garden.

Your environment is begging you to think creatively!

My friend Barb did a masterful tablescape last year for a seasonal gathering.

She used pumpkins, the last of her garden flowers, candles.

The oranges and purples were a perfect combination for a festive evening.

Barb also made a nice piece for her window but it would also work for a buffet -- tall grasses from the yard, plus a few gourds in a long basket.

(These look incredibly easy. It would be useful to mention that in her previous lifetime a number of years ago, she was a floral designer and is a wonderful gardener!)

My friend Judy often hosts a Thanksgiving-Eve dinner. She has such an eye for using what she has to the best effect.

A stone angel nested in moss, a pumpkin with straw -- it's simple and lovely.

The year Rick had his bike crash shortly before Thanksgiving was perhaps my most memorable. Not knowing if he'd be up to a big deal (and the boys were with their mom), I had ingredients for stuffing, veggies, a turkey breast. Things I'd already purchased.

That morning when we woke up, both of us were feeling pretty good. We decided to call two couples we knew, wonderful and supportive friends who also didn't have concrete plans for dinner. They knew what we were up against, so their expectations for my "Martha" mode were low.

I had a wonderful gourd I'd bought at a greens market the week before, some raffia, and a basket.

I tossed them together till they looked right, set the table with mom's dishes and crystal, added some votive candles, and it looked just fine! No stress.

I will never forget the love and emotion that day as we gathered at my table and gave thanks that Rick didn't suffer greater injuries in his accident. And truth be told, we all had many things that year for which to give thanks.

The point is, whether you are stacking up the squash for next week's roasting or pulling some interesting branches from the yard, or even cutting off the heads of your end-of-season seedum plant, you probably have a centerpiece without planning! If you're crafty and have feathers in your stash, a vase you can fill with nuts or some leftover sheet moss, bonus points! You're good to go!

The point isn't the decorating. It isn't even the food. It's the joy of being with family and friends. It's the giving thanks and the giving back.

Five Ways You Can Give Thanks by Giving to Others.

Make a donation to a food bank -- either with packaged or canned foods or a financial donations. Some states (Michigan is one) offer a tax credit for donations to food banks. (This is the last year for Michigan's credit, so there's no better time to do it if you're in this state!)
Invite a foreign student or someone without family or connections to join you for dinner.
Give the person behind you in the grocery line an extra five in your purse -- or slip it to the cashier and ask to have that go toward the next person in line.
Remember to give thanks to those far away -- a card or a call just to remind them you're grateful they are part of your life will really make their day.

If you're baking, take cookies, a pie or a loaf of bread to a neighbor who may have helped you out when you least expected it. You're already baking -- what's hard about a double batch?! Or give them some flowers or something for their table. Even grocery stores are getting nicer flowers these days! Pass a small bouquet along.

However you choose to celebrate, and with whomever you are spending time this week, I wish you Happy Thanksgiving. I know I give thanks for you each and every day of the year.

November Musings

2011-11-16T09:28:00.001-05:00

Lisa at Lisa's Yarns has been doing "The 10 Days of Thanksgiving." I've been thinking about a few things I'm pretty grateful for right now. Little big things, and big little things. I'll probably have lots more, but for now...

There are still leaves on the trees and they're quite beautiful on this sunny mid-November morning. This will post later in the week, but as I write it, it is November 12. Generally we lose all our leaves before Halloween.

These fall photos were actually taken last weekend -- November 5 and 6, but the trees still look much the same, despite some wind and yes, our first snow.

I wish I had photos of the snow that hit two days ago -- big puffy flakes that look like ivory flakes stuck together into lacy globs. It was short-lived, and given that I'm no snow bunny, I was grateful. Nonetheless, it was lovely.

*****

In another week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, Kevin will be home from Atlanta where he has been for the past six months on his internship. It's interesting, because when he went off to college at 18, we can't say we missed him all that much! He had a lot of growing up to do, and we noticed a huge change by the time he came home for that first Christmas.

In recent years, after transferring to MSU, we've seen him much more frequently, so his departure in June was a lot harder than we imagined, with only one quick visit from him. (And frankly, that happened at a coffee shop when he was visiting the wonderful Miss Molly!)

Greg will be home, too. He lives much closer, though we still don't see him all that often. I'm really looking forward to having us together.

*****

Gypsy is doing well and if I didn't know he had kidney disease and have to give him his IV every week, I'd think he was just a lively, huggy-bear cat with a huge appetite and a penchant for naps.

We've taken to doing bedtime snacks in bed, when I toss a piece of his dry food somewhere (in the dark) on the bed and he jumps to find it. While he's doing that, I stash a piece of food under the extra pillow. After he's finished his romping, he burrows to find the pieces of food that are hidden. It took two times doing that and prompting him to the pillow to get him to realize that this was a viable option. Now he often goes there first!

I'm pleased his treatments seem to be working so well. I just hope they keep on for a very long time.

*****

I'm very grateful that I remembered to get some homely tasks I tend to forget taken care of. Things like calling the plumber to turn off the water at the cottage (this could be a bad one if forgotten!) or getting the gutter-cleaner out here.

My art room is relatively in order -- there are a few more things to put away after my sale and the rapid creation phase leading up to it, but I love my new desk and just being in this room!

And finally (more or less) cleaning up the guest room (thanks to Cousin Bonnie for visiting; it was a great motivator!).

*****

There is much more... more walks, more travels to review and anticipate, more gatherings to celebrate and enjoy, more holidays to plan for.

But these are a start! I leave you with a word to "muse" upon:

One of my favorites.

Valuable Lessons from Chronic Disease

2011-11-11T18:01:00.001-05:00

I've pondered this post for a long while, not wanting to appear whining or complaining, yet knowing that I'll need to draw, in part, from my own experiences and that it could come off that way. I don't mean it to. That's not what I do.

But in recent weeks, my chronic disease, bronchiectasis combined with asthma and a dangerously compromised immune system, has become more challenging. I'm learning a lot about living with chronic illness that I suspect could be useful to those who have family or friends that have one too. So, I thought I'd share a few observations.

What is "chronic illness"?

Without going all medical, it's basically an illness or ailment (think chronic back pain) that cannot be cured, just managed. Chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, arthritis, Chron's disease, Coeliac disease, MS, Parkinson's, depression, persistent pain, autoimmune diseases or acne, are some -- there are lots of others. Wikipedia (not the best medical source but good for the basics) lists diabetes, irregular heart, high blood pressure and cholesterol, COPD, even some forms of cancer. It didn't list sleep apnea as one, but I would.

Also (according to Wikipedia) "The World Health Organization (WHO) reports chronic non-communicable conditions to be by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 35 million deaths in 2005 and over 60% of all deaths.

In other words, taking more vitamin C won't cure it. Won't hurt. Won't help much.

A lot of us have chronic disease or medical issues and don't really realize it (probably most of us!). We think it's just the way we are. And it is. But sometimes it is more aggressive or obvious than others. There can be a lot of gray area and a lot of deep water to wade through. Sometimes it's pretty tough to deal with.

What does "managed" mean?

Certain medicine or treatments may alleviate pain or symptoms, but the disease or condition doesn't disappear. You're not cured, just in better control. I don't like to be "managed." Even by Gypsy, who tries his best! When it comes to certain things, I'm a serious control freak. I pick my battles wisely, but in many things, and certainly in terms of my physical and emotional self, I like to be in control.

People with Chronic Illness aren't always in control.

By this, I mean that if you have a chronic illness, you can't depend on yourself to be at your best for a big day out or have appropriate or not-annoying behavior in public. For example, I cough uncontrollably. Scares people. Scares me. Not the best behavior in a concert, say, or at a lecture or meeting. Those with arthritis may not be able to open a jar or package or do a craft like knitting as easily as others. Others require insulin or other medications to maintain their balance.

You can take your meds, do all the right things. But you can't control the illness without external assistance. For those of us like me who prefer to be in control of our own lives, this is difficult. It wears you down, and sometimes you can't control your emotions.

(We'll talk emotional control, in a minute!)

People with Chronic Illness are often tired.

Some chronic issues do not affect sleep. Others do. In my case, I might cough so much I can't get to sleep for several hours after I've gone to bed and I may wake up in the night with the coughing. Rick is a saint and Gypsy is an angel. Let's just say that you don't want to be my roommate. The next morning it is almost impossible to get going.

But for those with sleep apnea or chronic fatigue, or those who have persistent back pain, for example, sleep can also be affected. And it's not just that you don't get enough sleep -- it's that when one operates without sufficient sleep, it can affect mood, reflexes (which can impair tasks like driving), ability to perform work tasks as well as when you're at the top of your game, or even the ability to work at all.

People with Chronic Illness are often embarrassed.

It depends on the illness, but for folks like me who have something that is obvious, it can be embarrassing. Believe me, when I cough, which is frequently, people know I'm around. It's gross. I'm not contagious. But I sound like I have the flu. More than once I've been in an enclosed elevator and people just shrink away -- if they could crawl into the wall, they would.

I was a theatre major. I know how to act and I do it every day. I performed on stage and I love doing TV when I can and speaking gigs are one of my favorite parts of my job. I don't mind being the center of attention when the attention isn't on my health. When it is, I'm the one who just wants to melt into the wall.

People who have Chronic Illness (or at least some) will work as hard as they possibly can. Maybe to their detriment.

Well, maybe that's just me. But I don't think so. We want to show people that we can be productive, do things as well or better than anyone else. We're not going to let a little old health problem get us down. We're not slackers or shirking a job or a task. Sometimes that means not taking as good care as we should. People tell us to let go of things. We ignore them. That's not good, but it's what we do. (Well, it's what I do.) I'm working on that.

People who have Chronic Illness can be fragile emotionally -- more than they show.

When you never know just what 'episode' or physical event is going to kick you into a bad place, it can be scary. You try not to think of the friend who died too young -- or in my case, my father's story, which has some parallels to mine. I always understood much (not all) of the nature of my dad's physical illness, but it wasn't until many years into my own that I realized the terrible emotional toll it took on him. Feeling broken and out of control. He was prickly, and now I fully understand why.

It may not be one thing that breaks you down, but the collective accumulation of little things -- personal loss, workplace issues, a fender bender, the death of a friend or concern about a pet. My problems getting helpful information from the doc's office had me completely flattened. Almost everyone gets overwhelmed when lots of unpleasant things happen or stress is increased. Everyone. But when you're physically challenged, that emotional stress seems to hit in a more visible way. Many Chronic Illnesses can't be seen. Therefore, people think you are just fine. Just terribly weepy. (I truly believe in my case, my emotions are far more fragile than my health.)

Sometimes that's OK and just what you want. Sometimes, it isn't. When you break your leg or have a body part replaced or get shingles all over your face, everyone knows and is maybe a little more willing to cut you a break, lend a hand. When you have something that isn't so visible -- and there are a lot of those -- it's pretty easy to forget that person might need some TLC. (I am very blessed that most of the folks around me "get it." That's not the case for everyone.

What Do We Need?

That's probably the biggest question I'm asked -- What do you need? How can I help? There really isn't a good answer.

Sometimes I'd like to say "cut me some slack," but the truth is, the one I should be telling that to is myself. Understanding if I withdraw is helpful. Sometimes it's just too much effort to pick up a phone and call someone, partly because I have to talk (without coughing if possible), partly because I want to be engaged in the conversation and sometimes I just can't be.

We had dinner with dear friends the other night, a semi-regular Friday night gig. I was so tired I could hardly communicate, yet it meant so much to be with people I loved. After I touched base with a number of people about what is going on with me medically and its implications to my life, my friend sent a note and said "I could tell something was wrong, but decided not to ask," respecting my the darker world of my silence.

Ironically, she is one of the people I could tell openly because of our friendship and because she understands. In her note, this strong cancer survivor said "There's a lot I could say from my own body/health experiences, but I think that would take away from just being with you/hearing you in this moment." I can't tell you what that meant.

Don't undermine my confidence in my health care professionals.

It's all right to suggest a second opinion or share something relevant. But accept my choices.

Understand that for any of us, every day (or at least some of them) can be a physical challenge. Whether it is movement because of pain, being ever mindful of protecting ourselves with the appropriate medications, staying awake, keeping odd hours (because we stayed awake when we would have liked to have slept) or dozens of other things, we sometimes feel like every day is climbing a mountain.

It's important to have confidence in the professionals who are helping us walk through our path to wellness. I do my research, I have people I can ask, just to make sure things seem "right." If you see something that seems terribly wrong, make sure you say something. But don't destroy my confidence in the people who are helping me most.

The Power of Positive Thinking

I often take a lot of good humored flack for being one of the most half-full, optimistic and positive people around, trying to look at problems as opportunities. For years, I've tried to spread the word that we can't always change the things around us that bother us, but we can change the way we approach them or let them go. I really do believe that. I have tried for years to look at the half-full of illness, which is wellness and the part of me that is well.

But understand that sometimes we have to face up to the realities and until we do, we can't shift the attitude to treating the problem as an opportunity. I'm a big believer of visualization as a powerful technique to heal and enrich so much of our lives. Everyone has their own thing and it might not be yours. But accept it. Just as you accept when they become overwhelmed.

I am recently reminded that Steve Jobs delayed surgery in favor of alternative treatments that weren't as effective. This will vary for everyone based on their personal beliefs, but I believe strongly in facing up to the medical realities and working with a good team, while not overlooking the additional benefits of complementary alternative therapies.

That won't work for everyone, but it is worth remembering that the mind is a powerful part of our operating equipment. How we use it matters.

Lots of love helps!

When I posted something on Facebook about some bad news, I was overwhelmed with the kindness of people who replied. Overwhelmed to tears. Support is so valuable.

And on that note, I want to thank my blogger buddies who have often been a lifeline of friends I've never met (for the most part!). You're the best. Of course, you don't have to listen to me cough day after day. But somehow, I think you'd understand!

Friends are the best. Period. They are our angels. Our lifelines. I am grateful to each and every one of mine, as well as to Rick, my office colleagues and my family. You see, it's for people like all of these that we really want to be at our best. Speaking personally, you are my motivation and you matter more than you know.

NOTE: All these pix are mine (as usual) except for that lovely one of the bridge on the Seine, which is by my Parisian friend Jerry. Thanks, Jerr!

Creating "With Friends"

2011-11-07T08:25:00.000-05:00

My annual art sale was this past weekend. I didn't have the inventory I usually do, but I did have some new things and thought I'd share a few of them here.

I love this piece of ephemera -- I use this little mermaid all the time!

I use this guy all the time, too! He may be a tabby and not orange, but he reminds me of a Gypsy I know! The lace (a huge box of lots of different kinds) came from my friend Mary Jane, who gave me a huge box of her mom's craft supplies when she was trying to pare down her house.

This lady was kind of pretty, too. The ribbon is very old ribbon from France, sent by my friend Jerry.

I made a number of journals in various sizes. This large one sold the first night. Some of the pieces on this and other journals I did were courtesy of Linda (Shoreacres) who sent me a lovely package filled with beads and earrings and keys, perfect to glue on things! Thanks, Linda!

Here's another I like with pink vintage bits. I bought the dragonfly at Artiscape.

And these are smaller ones. More for a purse than deep recollections. The square bit near the top came from an earring I bought at a Jane Rosemont yard sale before she moved to Santa Fe. I miss Jane and her fabulous yard sales! You'll see more "Shoreacres" jewelry and naturals from the lake and Myrtle Beach.

Then, the birdhouses!

These were two of the new ones. Loved the holiday feel of the red and white one. The mushrooms and birds were from the Mary Jane box!

Then I started pulling papers I'd made in a Jacqueline Sullivan "Artiscape" class for this one. And a Shoreacres key! The glass firefly was from my San Francisco friend, Cathy.

Meanwhile, this one was nice and rustic. Can't beat cinnamon sticks for steps! A Mary Jane bird, a "Shoreacres" key,,,

Then I got on a "bottle kick." You'll note more Shoreacres earrings on the tops, with cork stoppers from my friend Kate!

I was just fond of the pretty holiday feel and I really loved the vintage tinsel, which I bought last year in Arizona.

As you can see, part of the joy is in the making. But in almost every piece I do, there is some personal connection with a friend, a holiday, a special surprise or a vacation. That makes all the things I do so meaningful to me. Other people might not know or care. But for me, the art of creating is also an opportunity to think of people I love!

Facebook and Birthdays - When It Makes You Sad

2011-11-04T08:00:00.002-04:00

Does it freak anyone else out when they see Facebook announce the birthdays of friends who have died? Or when it says "You haven't connected with (Name of Friend)" and suggests you do so?

Really, I'd love to connect.

My friend Mary Jane died this past summer. Between the topsy-turvy activities at work, vacation, some travel, regrouping, I'm not sure I really have grieved her death.

Mary Jane and I worked with each other for 30 years. Maybe longer if you count my volunteer time at WKAR before I was hired. We sat in on a ton of meetings -- some of which I used to call "the dysfunctional family pledge meetings" during which five of us, all with very different personalities, tried to whack out a money-making TV pledge schedule with a variety of programs that weren't particularly terrific.

Mary Jane with our colleague Marge

In these days before computers had good programs for putting the monthly broadcast schedule on easily changeable program grids (the programmer's collection of titles, broadcast rights and sources all put together in the monthly schedule), Mary Jane would come to those meetings (and every meeting) armed with post-it correction tape. She must have used miles of tape during her career, and we teased her about it constantly.

"One day your epitaph will read 'Here lies Mary Jane. She ran out of tape,'" I told her -- the correction tape being a pun with video tape, the format in vogue at the time. She would laugh heartily, agreeing.

At Maggiano's, Philadelphia with Joe, Mary Jane, Beany, and Steve

During countless PBS conferences we'd travel, dining at some terrific spots. At one, a Maggiano's in Philadelphia, she and I, along with three of our fellow colleagues (above), got into a conversation about asparagus and its effects on the gastrointestinal system that had us laughing so loudly and raucously that we were all quite sure that had we not been in a protected corner, we would have been asked to leave.

Another PBS trip to San Francisco, with Tim, Beany, Mary Jane and Steve

Mary Jane was one of the most honest women I've ever known, with little artifice. If you looked terrible, she'd tell you and ask if you were all right. If you had issues with your current gentleman caller and she knew enough about him to have an opinion, she would weigh in. When Mary Jane would tell me my coughing was getting worse, I knew I'd better make a doctor's appointment. And she'd remind me.

She also had a heart of gold. I recently found a notecard she sent that said "This just looked like you!" She always remembered me (and others) at the holidays. As the multiple myeloma that would one day take her away from us was beginning to take its toll on her body, she began to give her clothes away. Since I fit her old size, I was the beneficiary of a number of terrific jackets, sweaters and outfits, all of which I wear today.

Mary Jane was private. We could all tell her illness was intensifying as we would see her come to the station -- long after she had retired -- to volunteer. A small group of us would periodically go to dinner. She would eat little, but loved the company and always had a positive attitude and one of good cheer. Even when she was down a bit or frustrated, she still was upbeat, if that makes sense. It made being with her all the more fun.

I don't know if Mary Jane really realized she was dying the day I went to visit her, several days before the doctors told her Hospice was her option and about a week or so before she died. She was having a great day, glad to have company. I had brought her some silk flowers from a collection taken up by our staff and she loved them, partly because they were so cheery and partly because she knew they would last without the hassle of caring for them.

She said she was looking forward to going out to dinner with me and two of our colleagues, sorry that she had missed an Easter brunch not too long before. And, that she was looking forward to getting together with staff friends for lunch as soon as they could fix her up so she could eat again. She had a smile, she laughed. There was a spark.

Then she said, "I hope you won't feel bad about this, but I really want to give you back something you gave me for Christmas," she said. She reminded me I'd given her a gift card to one of our shopping areas, good for any store, restaurant or movie theatre. I knew she was paring down her possessions as well as needing smaller clothing and thought this way she could choose what she needed. I told her to hang onto it -- she was going to need new clothes when she got out, and if she didn't feel up to it, I'd be glad to go get her what she needed.

And I really thought, "she'll get out of here. We'll get a milk shake at Johnny Rockets, have dinner, and she can get a new blouse or pair of pants. Or maybe some books."

I thought maybe there would be more time. I was wrong.

I came home from vacation at the lake to attend Mary Jane's memorial service. She had a lot of friends and they all came. She had planned it all herself, down to the music. After, there was a luncheon at the church.

"Don't leave before I see you," my former general manager, Steve, said to me. "I have something for you." Steve was Mary Jane's executor and had helped her with the hospice arrangements and so much more. He later slipped into my hand an envelope. "Now don't freak out about this," he warned me.

I knew exactly what it was.

Today, Facebook will remind me to wish Mary Jane a Happy Birthday. I will do exactly that and lift a glass to toast Mary Jane. Although, it may seem sort of odd that the birthday girl is buying the drinks.

Note: The two close-up photos of Mary Jane is this post are by my friend Mike Lewis.

Harry the Heron -- One More Look

2011-10-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

Pretty soon, Harry the Heron will headed south -- or wherever herons go when the water in Michigan becomes covered with ice.

Indulge me with an all-heron post. One more look at Harry!

I will miss his style of natural camouflage. There are times when I really have to look for him.

I'll miss trying hard to hold my small little camera steady, the lens at full zoom, as I wait for him to give me his profile.

I'll miss his positions -- that beautiful neck extended and handsome...

...gracefully bent into an S-shape...

... or crouched as he searches for the next hapless fish to swim by.

Or this one -- gracefully twisted.

I love watching him fish. His eyes are sharp.

He'll watch the water, statue-still...

... then pounce!

I'll miss watching him preen and using that sharp beak, pick off whatever is bothering him.

I'll miss the camaraderie as people walk around the Ditch and say, "Is the bird here yet?" I've met lovely people, just talking about Harry, as we watch, spellbound, his reflection a mirror image in silhouette.

I'll miss the colors of Harry -- his gray and white against the greens and golds of autumn.

I'll miss looking for him in new places -- this wee island brought him closer than ever.

And I'll miss his dramatic contrast which would often elude me.

Sometimes photographing Harry at such a distance in light that doesn't always cooperate is tough. But even the results bring their own energy and memories.

Some moments are simply, as Relyn says, unphotographable. I call them photographs of the heart. This is almost the closest I could get to Harry in flight. And that's OK.

It's twilight at the Ditch. Soon, the last of the color will be whisked away by windy nights and rainy days.

Harry will head to warmer waters. And I will await his return...

... remembering a beautiful autumn and my beautiful big bird.

NOTE #1: For those of you in the Lansing area who would like to catch a look at Harry, he's located in the largest pond of the drainage ditch between Wood and Fairview, just north of Grand River.

NOTE #2: Visit "Chopsticks and String" for a look at the book "The Paris Wife."

One More Kansas City Post

2011-10-26T13:00:00.000-04:00

A free day in Kansas City! What to do? A grand idea!

Of all the things I was most looking forward to in Kansas City, the biggest was meeting blogger Beth (Gathering Dust).

Once again, it was that terrific feeling of meeting someone you've known a very long time! And I loved every minute!

Beth picked me up and we went to an area of Kansas City called Country Club Plaza. Originally built in 1922 by J.C. Nichols, it was then called "Nichols' Folly." He had a vision that the former hog farm and dumping ground would one day be the first suburban shopping area that could service the up-and-coming automobile owners.

Nichols had traveled in Europe and the Southwest and created a Spanish/Moorish style for the plaza with courtyards, plenty of outdoor seating, tile roofs and beautiful towers.

Sculpture is everywhere, from a large fountain ...

...to a small wishing pool...

...And everything in-between!

There are just lovely bronzes.

There are plenty of tiled mosaics, as well.

I particularly liked this one.

On the buildings you can see strands of light. Beth tells me that at Christmas, everything is lit, with the towers and buildings outlined.

The Plaza managed to survive a number of challenging times including the Depression, the death of its original founder, Nichols, and his son's rise to the top of the company, and a 1977 flood.

Many national stores are there -- you'll find high-end chains like Restoration Hardware, North Face, Williams-Sonoma, Tiffany and more. But my favorite was Paper Source, where Beth and I had a grand time!

After Beth left, I stayed on, shopping a bit...

...and taking photos of the buildings and sculpture.

Several women rode by on horseback, promoting the rodeo. They looked right at home amidst the architecture.

(I loved their horses!)

And I loved the light fixtures...

...the towers...

...the details.

It was indeed an extraordinary day.

And as the lights went down and I returned to my hotel to figure out how in the world I would get the rolls of paper home that I bought at Paper Source, I just couldn't stop smiling! Thanks, Beth!

Hallmark Visitors Center - A Mixed Review

2011-10-23T11:01:00.000-04:00

There are a number of free things to do in Kansas City. One of them includes going to the Hallmark Visitors Center where they'll promise you'll see exactly how cards are made.

Do they deliver? Do they get to wear the crown?

Sort of.

Is it worth it?

Sort of.

Let me put it this way -- if I had only a wee bit of time, I wouldn't bother. But if you're out shopping in Crown Center, you can whip through it in a half hour or less. It's kind of interesting and fun, especially if you prefer history over process.

The history is well displayed in showcases following decades, as well as showing a huge amount of the various cards and products produced by Hallmark over the years. The graphic descriptive info is brief but tells the story.

I grew up with Hallmark. This card is very similar to one I have from my grandparents that I received as a child. My parents always bought Hallmark cards, and while I don't so much now, they still come out with terrific cards.

And merchandising.

Their Hallmark Hall of Fame specials are always well done. There is a theatre where you can see segments of these as well as their tear-jerking commercials. (And yes, I've cried at Hallmark commercials). They also have a great collection of original art that appeared on their cards by famous artists like Grandma Moses (and Norman Rockwell and Winston Churchill!)

Most of us with Christmas trees have at least one Hallmark ornament -- you can see them all here, along with some of their vintage holiday home accessories.

And it was interesting to see the presidential cards.

This was Gerald Ford's. I thought it the prettiest of all of them.

So, in history and pleasing displays, I give the center high marks. But in "seeing how a card gets made" (which interests me tremendously), the marks aren't so great. One of the employees just seemed bored, once she hung up the phone to answer questions about die-cutting.

The displays were a little more helpful and I'll show them one after another in order.

I got excited when I saw a printing room behind glass.

Then I realized the room was a big mural and the presses only ran when a fellow came out to talk to folks.

I know a lot about printing, so I didn't ask him many questions, but those from the group there at the same time were well answered and enthusiastically. He showed them how the word "wife" was printed on a Valentine. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic. But they could have shown so much more.

In addition to the video there were some fun interactive exhibits. The photo on the bow making machine didn't show well, but this is what turns out those bows we can buy at bulk at the holidays.

Press a button and you get to take home a bow.

I had enjoyed seeing some of the various Hallmark crowns that were made from year to year.

They also have a virtual crown photo spot. One stands there, looks at the camera and it "finds" your head and places a virtual crown on it.

So, back to the hotel I went, in Kansas City's lovely covered walkway, "The Link."

In some ways, it is art in itself, with its lovely angular design...

... and a great view.

Hallmark -- you get a mixed review. History: A- / Production: C- / Price? A+

NOTE #2: Visit "Chopsticks and String" for a look at the book "The Paris Wife."

Everything's Up to Date in Kansas City

2011-10-19T23:37:00.005-04:00

Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote "Everything's up to date in Kansas City" for "Oklahoma!" In the years since that musical was produced, it is still up to date!

I'm here for the National Educational Telecommunications Association meeting. My days are spent in sessions -- all useful and interesting. It's a good learning conference.

In addition to the break-out sessions, we also get current information on the state of the system, from such respected industry leaders as Patricia Harrison of Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Paula Kerger of PBS.

We also had a breakfast during which we watched Amy Goodman present "Democracy Now" live.

And then, there are the evenings. The first night we had a reception at Lidia's (as in public TV's Lidia) restaurant. Lots of people were crammed into the tent for the reception (and good treats) including Hari Sreenivasan of "PBS NewsHour" and CPB's Jennifer Lawson.

There was entertainment, too.

The walk over, through Union Station was as fun as the reception. Kansas City has an elevated indoor walkway that snakes through various areas, making it safe and warm to get from spot to spot.

The interior of the building was amazing!

The second evening's activity was a reception at the American Jazz Museum, which included a tour.

Dennis Winslett was our guide -- and it was all the more meaningful and fun because of the musical interludes he included to emphasize certain points.

It's a terrific museum with lots of interactive exhibits, film, and displays.

The design is terrific, as is the flow. It's well worth the stop for the Kansas City traveler.

And while you're there, stop in the Blue Room at the museum. Rated one of the best jazz attractions in Kansas City (and for a city known for jazz, that's saying something), it really rocks!

The museum is adjacent to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. One of my heroes is John "Buck" O'Neil, whom -- if you saw Ken Burns' film "Baseball" -- was a remarkable narrator with his own story.

There was a special display honoring him.

Across from the museums is the Gem Theatre -- stop by there for some terrific jazz performances.

And then, it was home to gear up for another day of learning and fun.

But it will be tough to beat this evening! (Although I can tell you, my free day, Friday, will -- Looking forward to meeting fellow blogger Beth of Gathering Dust for lunch! Can't wait!)

Till then, it's music in my head as I drift off into fuzzy dreamland!

NOTE: If you enjoy biography of a sort, or books on Paris, or Hemingway, visit Chopsticks and Strings for a look at "The Paris Wife."

The Big Reveal

2011-10-17T11:48:00.000-04:00

Well, the room is the same. But thanks to a new desk/art table and some time cleaning and organizing, the art room has become a little more manageable. Not too much less cluttered. But more manageable!

My friend Jan was replacing her office furniture so I was excited to buy her L-shaped desk, a new bookcase and a drawer unit from her this summer. Getting it moved was a challenge, but thanks to my friend and photographer/artist Michael Maurer Smith (who has a truck), we got it over and into the garage -- where it sat for about six weeks.

You know the story -- too tired to do it in the evening and summer weekends on the road. And of course I had to unload the old desk (filled with things in and under) and art table (with all those baskets of must-haves) and bookcase.

Let's just say if I'd had company during that time, they would have been in my bed and I would have been down the street at Rick's or on the couch!

When finally making the change, I vowed that everything that came into the room had to have purpose -- something for an art project, a book that could be useful, art itself -- my own and other people's, or things that made me happy -- photos, collections, etc.

Which isn't to say it wouldn't be cluttered. (This corner still sort of scares me!) It would just be cluttered with things I liked or were useful.

Now, I'll be working on organizing and tossing out things for a long while. But I've made me progress.

My favorite part -- the desk! When open, a great place to work, complete with bulletin board and sorting bins.

Of course, there is room for the Executive Assistant.

When closed, a perfect art table!

I always enjoy seeing how people store their stuff. I like these small jars from Ikea, as well as old spice jars for buttons and bits.

Scissors go in Mason jars.

Markers go into one of those extra mugs we all have!

For inspiration, an inspiration board...

...and a wonderful tree made by blogger Beth long ago.

Tall wastebaskets hold tall papers.

Elsewhere, things that make me happy.

This yard sale find has storage within!

More bits, glues and Goldens go here.

I won't show you the closet door behind the desk, but it has those shuttered doors, perfect for hanging completed knitting projects.

Now, it really isn't done because I don't think it will ever be. There are corners (and closets) to clean, more to sort through. But you get the drift! And I have to say I feel much better coming in here, and that in itself is worth something!

(NOTE: On Chopsticks and String, a look at the book "The Paris Wife.")

What's Up? BBQ, Art Workshop and a Cookie Recipe, Too!

2011-10-14T09:15:00.000-04:00

A few things keeping me happy this week!

An autumn drive to party with friends.

I found this road dazzling --

-- and the sky so blue that the red barn seemed to jump out of the landscape.

My destination? A barbecue!

Anne and Clayton were great hosts and everyone who brought food outdid themselves.

I loved the chicken, as you can see, but the ribs were my favorite!

(My cookie recipe is at the bottom of this post!)

A weekend with barbecue, followed by an evening of art! I enjoyed teaching a tag book workshop.

You can find a tutorial about it from long ago right HERE.

Here's Ashley's book...

Dusty will use hers for pot-luck recipes.

Jane had great retro art from an old cookbook!

And mine? Yes, are you really surprised by the graphics?

Here's a versatile cookie recipe that went over well at both the workshop and barbecue. It's fast, doubles or halves easily, and is adaptable to variations.

Pressed Shortbread Cookies

2 sticks butter
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1 t. vanilla (if not using variation)
2 c. flour

Cream butter and sugar, add salt, and flour. Scoop or roll into small balls and press with glass, palm or cookie press. (Add colored sugar at this point if you like.) Bake 300 for 15-18 minutes. Leave on sheet for two minutes and then move to rack to cool.
Variations on a Theme: Cinnamon/Apple Version

Add enough cinnamon to taste (I like a lot and probably used at least 4 Tablespoons, maybe more.) Also add apple cider in place of vanilla. You will need to add more cider than the vanilla quantity -- again, do to your taste, a tablespoon or two at a time. But then you will also need to add a little more flour so that you have a stiff dough you can scoop and pat down. These were what I made this weekend -- and delicious. Glaze them with a powdered sugar/cinnamon/apple cider glaze when slightly warm. Colorful sugars or jimmies optional!

Variations on a Theme: Lemon Version

Use lemon juice and zest in place of the vanilla. Adjust flour accordingly. Glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Variations on a Theme: Peppermint Version

Same deal, peppermint extract and/or crushed peppermint candies.

Variations on a Theme: Dried Fruit

Add about 1/2 c. of dried cherries, cranberries or apricots. More if you like!

A Few Reasons Why I Love Autumn at the Ditch

2011-10-11T10:00:00.002-04:00

Lest you should thing the only thing I love about going to the Ditch is Harry the Heron, think again.

Yes, I find him striking and when I see him, he does take my breath away. But then, I think he does that for a lot of people.

No, I like passing the little garden on my walk down, where rosebuds are still in bloom.

I love the ducks. The mallards...

...the brown ones. Are they female mallards?

Some burrow their beaks under their feathers, ready for a snooze in the late afternoon sun. Yet, ever alert.

And this one -- a duck or a goose?

I don't know, but when I see those beautiful feathers, it doesn't really matter. They dazzle me.

I find the color at this time of year breathtaking.

And it isn't just the orange.

It's the purple astors...

...the golden leaves... (Do you see Harry, camouflaged against the shore?)

...the dazzling turquoise sky.

There are greens that soon will be gold.

Some, like me, walk about and take photos. Others walk their dogs or their children in strollers. Still others, like this fellow, just choose to sit back and meditate at this most peaceful of spots.

Yes, I love the blues and golds, oranges and greens. I can't resist the sumac.

But there is something so peaceful about the neutral colors...

...and those wonderful browns.

Yes, autumn colors tell stories.

And in the shadows of the early evening, amidst the beauty of these creatures, the sense of camaraderie amongst those who visit, the quiet of my footsteps on the path, I realize how very lovely my life is. And I say a little prayer of thanks.

My ArtPrize Favorites

2011-10-07T10:02:00.001-04:00

I had three ArtPrize favorites.

You saw a hint of this one in my last post.

"Mother Earth" is depicted -- in all her seasons -- in felt.

These dresses were gorgeous, and I'm told by one of the monitors, they were also wearable. I loved the ones with trains.

Every detail was perfect, from the seasonal coloring down to the details.

Having felted before -- and not like this -- I know how time consuming it is to do even a small piece.

This, by Rebecca Lambers, was dazzling.

It was a ceiling installation of silk flowers. The silk was hand dyed, and each flower individually made.

The artist said that if it didn't sell (oh, I hope it does!) that she would dismantle it and sell the flowers individually. I am going to watch her website.

Saving the most remarkable for last, the Mona Lisa series.

On a different graphic, the artist credited about 12 women -- Each one posed with the photographer (Pizzi) and then transformed their prints according to their vision and chosen discipline to interpret the most famous portrait in history.

These are the original portraits and below, some of the variations.

Mona Lisa was depicted any number of ways.

As painting.

As photography.

As sculpture.

As fiber and painted art.

Painted on glass.

And under glass.

In photography and paper.

With wire.

And so much more.

This talented group definitely found a muse.

And I was amused and enchanted.

NOTE: New book post on Chopsticks and String. If you like folk music or Christine Lavin or knitting -- you must learn about this book. (and you don't have to like all to enjoy it!)