Doing Not thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: nothing been busy working on a video with Michael and getting ready to go out of town. I won't be doing the challenge obviously while out of town.

Goals Completed: bedroom closet, Michael's office and front closet

Always on the Back Burner

It feels like since mid-June I just have had lots on my plate but not many things get done totally. I start working on something and either Michael has to finish it or it just gets put on the back burner for something else that needs done. I hope by the end of the summer I will have been able to enjoy some me time. Do art, sew, get some plans on the way for some redecorating and so on.

Colorado National Monument

Just a few picture Michael took when we went up to the Colorado National Monument on Thursday...

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. having one of Michael's friends visit and getting to know her better
2. the wineries we visited today - samples we tasted and bottles we brought home to enjoy.
3. the beautiful state we live in - we visited the Colorado National Monument yesterday
4. good food, good wine, good friends
5. my love

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: nothing unfortunately

Goals Completed: bedroom closet, Michael's office and front closet

2009 Reading List....So Far

This is my reading list so far for 2009. It isn't in order really - it is just how it came out when I copied from Goodreads.com

1. Eclipse (Twilight, #3) Meyer, Stephenie
2. Twilight (Twilight, #1) Meyer, Stephenie
3. New Moon (Twilight, #2) Meyer, Stephenie
4. Collage Discovery Workshop (Paperback) Hellmuth, Claudine
5. Collage Discovery Workshop: Beyond The Unexpected (Paperback) Hellmuth, Claudine
6. Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages (Paperback) Perrella, Lynne
7. The Forgetting Room (Paperback) Bantock, Nick
8. Outlander (Outlander, #1) Gabaldon, Diana
9. The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, Book 3) Pullman, Philip
10. Breaking Dawn (Twilight, #4) Meyer, Stephenie
11. The Time Traveler's Wife (Hardcover) Niffenegger, Audrey
12. Creating Keepsakes' Encyclopedia Of Scrapbooking (Paperback) White, Tracy
13. How to Be a Domestic Goddess: Baking and the Art of Comfort Cooking (Paperback) Lawson, Nigella
14. The Weekend Baker: Irresistible Recipes, Simple Techniques, and Stress Free Strategies for Busy People (Hardcover) Dodge, Abigail Johnson
15. Alphabetica: An A-Z Creativity Guide for Collage and Book Artists (Quarry Book) Perrella, Lynne
16. The Best Quick Breads: 150 Recipes for Muffins, Scones, Shortcakes, Gingerbreads, Cornbreads, Coffeecakes, and More (Paperback) Hensperger, Beth
17. Journal Revolution: Rise Up & Create! Art Journals, Personal Manifestos and Other Artistic Insurrections (Paperback) Woods, Linda
18. Art Escapes: Daily Exercises and Inspirations for Discovering Greater Creativity and Artistic Confidence (Spiral-bound) Kanter, Dory
19. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Paperback) Tolle, Eckhart
20. Before The Storm (Paperback) Chamberlain, Diane
21. Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books (Paperback) Woods, Linda
22. The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life (Paperback) Ferrucci, Piero
23. The Gourmet Slow Cooker: Volume II, Regional Comfort-Food Classics (Paperback) Alley, Lynn
24. Parrotfish (Hardcover) Wittlinger, Ellen
25. Collage, Assemblage, and Altered Art: Creating Unique Images and Objects (Paperback) Maurer-Mathison, Diane
26. The Best Make-Ahead Recipe (The Best Recipe) Ackere, Daniel J. Van
27. The Best Soups & Stews: A Best Recipe Classic (Best Recipe Series) Tremblay, Carl
28. The Domino Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Making You Happy (Hardcover) Needleman, Deborah
29. Salvage Style in Your Home (Hardcover) Hankinson, Moira
30. Untamed (House of Night, #4) Cast, P.C.
31. 1,000 Artist Trading Cards: Innovative and Inspired Mixed Media ATCs (1000 Series) Bolton, Patricia
32. Taking Flight: Inspiration And Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings (Paperback) Roberts, Kelly Rae
33. Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3) Ward, J.R.
34. Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse #1) Harris, Charlaine
35. Living Dead in Dallas (Sookie Stackhouse, #2) Harris, Charlaine
36. Club Dead (Sookie Stackhouse, #3) Harris, Charlaine
37. Dead to the World (Sookie Stackhouse, #4) Harris, Charlaine
38. Dead as a Doornail (Sookie Stackhouse, #5) Harris, Charlaine
39. Definitely Dead (Sookie Stackhouse, #6) Harris, Charlaine
40. All Together Dead (Sookie Stackhouse, #7) Harris, Charlaine
41. From Dead to Worse (Sookie Stackhouse, #8) Harris, Charlaine
42. 500 Handmade Books: A Celebration of Contemporary Book Forms (Paperback) Books, Lark
43. The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Stitching, Baking, Nature, Art & the Comforts of Home (Hardcover) Brocket, Jane
44. Creating Handmade Books (Paperback) Golden, Alisa
45. One for the Money (Stephanie Plum, #1) Evanovich, Janet
46. Quick Fix Meals: 200 Simple, Delicious Recipes to Make Mealtime Easy (Paperback) Miller, Robin
47. Scrapbook Journaling Made Simple: Tips for Telling the Stories Behind Your Photos (Memory Makers) Makers, Memory
48. Designing With Words (Paperback) Arts, Leisure
49. Best of the Best Vol. 9: The Best Recipes from the 25 Best Cookbooks of the Year (Best of the est: Best Recipes from the 25 Best Cookbooks of the Year) Magazine, Food & Wine
50. Ken Hom's Quick Wok (Paperback) Hom, Ken
51. Clean, Naturally: Recipes for Body, Home, and Spirit (Paperback) Maine, Sandy
52. Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun, and Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of (Lansky, Vicki) Lansky, Vicki
53. Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum, #2) Evanovich, Janet
54. Three To Get Deadly (Stephanie Plum, #3) Evanovich, Janet
55. Four to Score (Stephanie Plum, #4) Evanovich, Janet
56. Baking: From My Home to Yours (Hardcover) Greenspan, Dorie
57. Home Hints and Tips (Paperback) Richardson, Rosamund
58. The Big-Ass Book of Crafts (Paperback) Montano, Mark
59. 500 Ideas for Small Spaces: Easy Solutions for Living in 1000 Square Feet or Less (Paperback) Seldon, Kimberley
60. High Five (Stephanie Plum, #5) Evanovich, Janet
61. Seven Up (Stephanie Plum, #7) Evanovich, Janet
62. Hot Six (Stephanie Plum, #6) Evanovich, Janet
63. Hard Eight (Stephanie Plum, #8) Evanovich, Janet
64. Ten Big Ones (Stephanie Plum, #10) Evanovich, Janet
65. Temptation (Mass Market Paperback) Deveraux, Jude
66. Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew (Paperback) Karol, Amy
67. What to Drink with What You Eat: The Definitive Guide to Pairing Food with Wine, Beer, Spirits, Coffee, Tea - Even Water - Based on Expert Advice from America's Best Sommeliers (Hardcover) Dornenburg, Andrew
68. Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects (Spiral-bound) Butler, Amy
69. Meal planning and table service in the American home (Hardcover) Bailey, N. Beth
70. The Good Housekeeping Hostess: An Old-Fashioned Guide to Gracious Living (Hardcover) Housekeeping, From the Editors of Good
71. To the Nines (Stephanie Plum, #9) Evanovich, Janet
72. A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions (Hardcover) Dariaux, Genevieve Antoine
73. The Black Lyon (Mass Market Paperback) Deveraux, Jude
74. The Maiden (Mass Market Paperback) Deveraux, Jude
75. Eleven on Top (Stephanie Plum, #11) Evanovich, Janet
76. Learn to Sew (Paperback) Reid, Alison
77. The Velvet Promise (Mass Market Paperback) Deveraux, Jude
78. Twelve Sharp (Stephanie Plum, #12) Evanovich, Janet
79. Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum, #13) Evanovich, Janet
80. The American Woman's Home Beecher, Catharine Esther
81. The Flavor Bible: The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity, Based on the Wisdom of America's Most Imaginative Chefs Page, Karen
82. Fearless Fourteen (Stephanie Plum, #14) Evanovich, Janet
83. Highland Velvet (Mass Market Paperback) Deveraux, Jude
84. Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand (Kitty Norville, Book 5) Vaughn, Carrie
85. A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table (Hardcover) Wizenberg, Molly
86. Visions of Sugar Plums (A Stephanie Plum Between the Numbers/Holiday Novel, #1) Evanovich, Janet
87. Dead and Gone (Sookie Stackhouse, #9) Harris, Charlaine

31....I wish....

So I had a doctors appointment the other day. One of those appointments us women always love to have....anyway...my nurse kept writing 31 instead of 41 because she couldn't believe I was 41. And then the doctor was asking me questions (new doctor) and asked me my age because he said after that wasn't believeing what was on the chart as he thought I was in my early 30's. I told them thank you and that I would have to thank both of my Grandmothers as it was part of my genes. As they both always have looked much younger.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. the shredding being done!
2. brownies on the counter ready for brownie sundae's for 4th of July
3. Caesar (one of our cats) taking his pills so well - he takes allergy pills. And he really has gotten so good at taking them
4. not having a migraine everyday this week
5. getting through my doctor appointment

I recognize that I have much more to be thankful for in my life.

9 Bags

I spent the last 3 evenings doing shredding. I really want it done so I can focus on other things. I just had such a big box of it sitting in the living room I felt I needed to get it done before I can continue on with the things. I ended up with 9 bags full of shredding. Michael had hung onto some old work stuff and decided that since he had only got into it once in 3 years and what he was looking for wasn't there - that he probably didn't need most of it. So he whittled it down to a little box of things to keep. And I shredded the rest. 9 bags worth (Some of that was our just regular pile of shredding too that I hadn't been keeping up with.)

Rushed

It has been pretty busy. I have had several work projects. Michael has had a ton of them. And then he leaves for a conference on Sunday. And he will be gone a few days and on his return (the 8th) he will be picking up a friend to bring back for a visit. She will be staying until the 11th. Then he will be very very busy with work up until I leave on the 17th. I will be in Minnesota until the 31st. I hope that I am able to get everything done before I leave because at the moment it doesn't feel like it.

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: As I said before, I am really not doing well with this challenge. I just don't see it is going to change much before the end of the challenge either - unfortunately.

Goals Completed: bedroom closet, Michael's office and front closet

Rear Window

I am reading The Time Traveler's Wife again. And I so enjoy Henry and Clare. But really I love Henry. He just captures me. I enjoy his story and his personality that comes through that story. I have a hard time putting the story down. But when 3AM is rolling around - I do need to get some sleep.

Saturday night we were watching Rear Window on TV and after I picked up Time Traveler's Wife to read a bit before bed. The page I started talked about Rear Window. It gave me little goose bumps.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. phone conversation with a good friend.
2. purple sharpie
3. getting some things in the freezer for Michael when I go out of town for 2 weeks
4. the free music from Coldplay (one of my favorite groups)
5. getting away even over night - tomorrow
6. being alive....just the life that I have.

Chasing Cars

A couple of friends were discussing that it is hard for them to say "I love you" because the meaning of the words almost seem like nothing these days. I agree. We use love for things we simply enjoy. Like I love how blue the sky looks today. When really I am enjoying how blue the sky looks but I don't love it. Love has taken on a meaning that doesn't convey what we feel for another person....the depth and importance of those feelings. I am one that tends to say I love you easily. I say it when I mean it. When I have the feelings that match those words for me. But I do wish we had something that could convey the message of loving another person better.

In the book the Secret Life of Bees they talk about the same subject and I wrote about it here...just a little.


Lyrics for the above song from Snow Patrol...Chasing Cars

We'll do it all
Everything
On our own

We don't need
Anything
Or anyone

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel

Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads

I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see

I don't know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things will never change for us at all

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: Front closet is done. So at least one more thing off the list. I can actually store the vacuum in it now - instead of it sitting in my studio where it had been.

Goals Completed: bedroom closet, Michael's office and front closet

Coldplay

I love Coldplay. I would say they are in my top 5 music picks. Anyway they are offering free music to their fans.

http://www.coldplay.com/

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. biscuits and gravy we had on Sunday
2. baby pink roses from Michael just because
3. dates with Michael
4. new hair ties that are girly and sparkly so I can put my hair in pigtails
5. library....I can read so many different kinds of books for free - that give me enjoyment and entertainment
6. new skirt and top that I ordered that I hope get here before my vacation to see my family
7. booked plane ticket to see my family in July for 2 weeks
8. friends and family that love me and support me

I recognize that I have much more to be thankful for in my life.

It's Not Just about the Shoes....

Last week in some blog hopping I found a link to Unique Vintage. Just a few dresses I liked on the site...there were more then these but these 2 I really liked...

Shoes First

Note from the Universe that I got last week...
Happiness comes first, Darby. Partners, abundance, and cool shoes come later.
Or at least this is how I'd line up my duckies.

Ungawa -
The Universe


ps: No, Darby, cool shoes never came first.

I thought the shoes always came first....

Like these....
Sweet Life By Dolce Vita Lace Heel

You see I got side tracked looking for flat sandals that I can run through an airport in. I just don't think those are it but they are lovely!

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: nothing to update. So far this challenge I haven't done as well as I did in the last. Maybe set too much for me to do with all the other things going on. Not sure anyway - no new progress.

Goals Completed: bedroom closet, Michael's office

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for....

1. a nice quick trip to Denver
2. Michael finding a computer fast
3. getting Michael's office reorganized.
4. rain with big rain drops while the sun shining bright
5. my hair being just long enough for pigtails now
6. string of pretty lights

I recognize that I have much more to be thankful for in my life.

The Uniform Project

The Uniform Project. It is a girl who is wearing one dress (7 copies of it for each day of the week) and then dressing it up with other clothes and accessories. And she is doing it to raise money for Akanksha's School Project. It is an interesting concept....I like her creativity in her outfits.

Some of my favorites...


May 7th's uniform


May 12th's uniform


June 9th's uniform

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: Michael's office is done. It was a BIG project and now the living room looks like donation centers drop off box. As we have several boxes to donate, some to sell and some is just storage items. But it looks great. Better organized for him. I still wish there was a way to get him a little bit bigger office.

Goals Completed: bedroom closet and Michael's office

New Moon

I think I have watched this trailer everday since it came out. Michel tends to think I have an obsession with all things Twilight. I am not sure I agree with that...I mean reading the Twilight saga 5 times and watching the Twilight movie about 20 times isn't an obsession is it? :)

Yes all that is said tongue in cheek. I know I have an obsession. I am addicted. A friend and I were discussing we don't even understand how it gets under our skin. Really when you analyze the books and the movie they aren't masterpieces. They just do something that makes you obsessed and addicted. And so I am counting the days down for New Moon!

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Michael leaving the hall light on for me when he went to bed. He knows I have trouble seeing in the dark and he went back and purposely turned it on for me. It is just a little thing that meant a lot to me.
2. the hard work Michael did on getting my computer set up. He traded some work for it. And it is much faster then my old one. And I have a feeling my old was just about to dye so it is good thing I am now set up and everything transferred to the new machine - Because of Michael!
3. delicious homemade pizza I made this week - new toppings that I had never done before and new dough recipe that turned out great.
4.lotion - my skin has been so dry this week
5. an email tonight that helped us out on our websites. Very thankful for the person writing me.
6. late night ice cream cone with Michael one night this week
7. time to play...to sit on the floor and play with dolls this past week - they are now sitting on a shelf dressed as a ballerina and princess
8. kisses and hugs from Michael

Dr. Tiller

I just heard about Dr. George Tiller being shot. These are the things that frustrate and sadden me so much....a person was upset that he "killed babies" so took it upon himself as a "Pro-Lifer" to kill Dr. Tiller at his church on Pentacost. How can you be fight for Pro-Life and kill anyone? I don't get it. I don't understand how someone can do that no matter their beliefs.

The Tiller family's statement: "This is particularly heart-wrenching because George was shot down in his house of worship, a place of peace."

Links to news articles:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104766374
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090531/us_nm/us_usa_abortion_shooting
http://www.kansascity.com/657/story/1225769.html

Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Icing

I had left over pumpkin from the Pie Pockets the other day so I needed to make something to use up the rest. I love how these turned out. I make sour cream cookies that should turn out the same consistency but they never do in the altitude. So now I am going to compare recipes so that I can figure if there is anything I can change in the sour cream cookies to make them more rounded and cakey like the pumpkin.


I got the recipe from Allrecipes.com - but made maple icing instead of the vanilla. These cookies will be great for the autumn or the holidays.

INGREDIENTS
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups white sugar
* 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maple Icing
* 2 cups confectioners' sugar
* 2 tablespoons half-n-half
* 2 tablespoon melted butter
* 1 1/2 teaspoons maple extract

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly. (I didn't flatten as I don't feel that often works good in higher altitude)

3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.

4. To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, half-n-half, 2 tablespoon melted butter, and maple extract. Add more half-n-half as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.

Five Ways to Live Your Dream

I have been going through magazines pulling out recipes, articles and such that I want to save. And I came across this...in Organic Style (which isn't in print anymore but has an online version but I just subscribed to it today.)

5 Ways to Live Your Dreams
1. Break the rules. Do what you want, if it harms no one.
2. Spend time alone, at home, in a restaurant, or across the globe and you'll hear your inner voice.
3. Follow your passion -- whatever it takes.
4. Stop worrying so much about what other people think. It's your life.
5. Get over your fear. Fear is normal, so embrace it, and then you'll get past it.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. a nice Memorical day weekend with Michael
2. getting quite a lot accomplished this week
3. some pictures I ordered came in the mail - pictures of Michael and family and it is nice to look at them and think of good memories
4. the rain - although it is causing us to turn off our computers because of the thunder and lightening coming with it. I love the smell of the rain.
5. lemonade - always have it this time of the year and it just tastes so good.

I recognize that I have much more to be thankful for in my life.

Do Something...

I get these daily notes in my inbox:

Starting something, Darby, is the best way to finish something.

And just doing a teeny, tiny something, today, anything, from wherever you are, is the best way to start something.

I'm not just a client,
The Universe

ps: Today, Darby. Make a call, ask a question, search the web, buy a book, pound the pavement, measure, cut, paste, poke, and of course, give thanks in advance.

Birthday Wishes....

I love you and hope you have a beautiful birthday celebrating YOU!

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: I started on Michael's office a little bit. And we are looking at some optional storage solutions for is office too as he just doesn't have enough room. Although now with one computer blowing up he does have more room to utilize on his desk.

I am going to carve out some time to do art this weekend. I got some repurposed some furniture and really like how I have things organized so it should make creating easier.

Goals Completed: bedroom closet

Memorial Day

With today being Memorial Day, it of course made me think of family and friends that have passed.

Today though I really thought of both my Grandpa's - my Mom's Dad and my Dad's Dad. Both of them passed away quite a long time ago but I miss them. I did think of good happy memories of my Grandpas. I thought of playing cards with my paternal Grandpa as a little girl. He taught me how to play many card games and it is something I enjoy to this day. I remember riding with my Grandpa to pick up my Grandma from work and sitting real close to him because I just always wanted to be near him as he was my hero. He brought me to get ice cream cones and always liked the same ice cream -- anything with nuts but usually butter pecan or black walnut. (photo of my Grandpa and I - 1968)





And I think of my maternal Grandpa working on the farm. I don't have as many memories of him because he died when I was fairly young - I think 6 years old. But I remember watching him work on the farm. I see him saying grace at the head of the table. And I remember the feel his overalls against my skin when he held me on his lap. He had that smell of farm...it was the smell of grass and earth. (photo of my Grandpa when he was in the Army)

So today I kept them in my thoughts as well as other family and friends. And remembered good memories associated with each of them.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. laughing so hard that I woke Michael up. Stephanie Plum books give me many laughs.
2. S'MORES!
3. having a really good time with Michael's friend Lala. I haven't felt so comfortable with a friend in such a long time.
4. the unexpected joy that the movie Sex and the City gave me - tears and laughs - I forgot how much I enjoyed the series.
5. Michael's old t-shirts....I love wearing them. I wore one today and it smelled like him - his cologne. And it just made me feel nice. Silly little simple pleasure.

Beautiful People

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.

- Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: Nothing accomplished on these goals.

From the Weekend Baker....Again...

The Weekend Baker cookbook just has so many wonderful recipes that I want to try. It is also has good tips and lists to help with baking.

In the book, these are called Half-Moon Pie Pockets but I realized after making a few circles that just cutting them into rectangles and making little square pockets would be much easier. This recipes is exactly how it is in the book. I will make notes at the bottom. I made some chocolate pie pockets and some pumpkin pie pockets.

Half-Moon Pie Pockets

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, 9-½ inches square each
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For chocolate-nut filling:
1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts)

For the pumpkin-spice filling:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (9 ounces/ 255 grams) canned solid pack pumpkin (not seasoned pumpkin pie filling)
3 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg


1. Remove both sheets of frozen puff pastry from the box, set them on a lightly floured surface, and cover with plastic wrap. Do not unfold at this point. Let the covered puff pastry sit on the countertop until thawed and just pliable, about 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, position the oven rack on the middle rung. Heat the oven to 425 degrees (220 c). Line 2 half sheet pans with parchment or spray with cooking spray. Have ready the beaten egg and the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.

3. On a lightly floured work surface, carefully unfold the puff pastry. Dust the top of the pastry with a little flour. Roll out each sheet, lightly dusting with flour as needed to prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin and work surface, into a 12- inch (30.5cm) square. Using a 4-inch (10 cm) round cookie cutter (or the bottom of a 29- ounce tomato can as a guide), cut into 18 circles. Peel away the scraps and cover the rounds with plastic wrap while preparing the filling.

4. For the pumpkin spice filling, combine the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until well blended.

5. Place about 1 tablespoon filling on the center of the round. Brush the edge of the dough with the egg. Fold half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon. Using the tines of the fork, press the curved edge to seal tightly. Repeat with the remaining rounds. (At this point, the pie pockets can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 8 hours or frozen for up to 1 month before proceeding with the recipe.)

6. Arrange the pockets on the prepared sheet pans, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with the remaining egg and sprinkle evenly with the granulated sugar. Bake until pastry is puffed and browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the sheet pans to racks to cool. Serve warm.

Storage: You can bake the pie pockets up to 6 hours ahead and reheat them in a 300 degree (150 C) oven until warm. About 15 minutes.




NOTES
* I didn't make as much filling because I wanted to do two different kinds of filling. I think I cut each filling recipe in half. I didn't do nuts in the chocolate as Michael doesn't like nuts. I also used a mixture several types of chocolate chips - dark, semi-sweet and milk.

* As I said above I made some rounds and then the rest square. I just cut the dough in rectangles and then folded over to make square pockets.

* I didn't warm back up before serving. Just topped with some whipped cream and ate. Yum!

* I also think doing apple pie filling or cherry would be very good. And so easy.

* I think having some in the freezer and taking a few out when needing something fairly quickly would be great.

PDF Downloadable and Printable

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. a good friend that sent me a Princess package. So much fun to open and so very sweet of her!
2. wanting to walk back into the theater again and sit back down to watch Star Trek again. It ROCKED! Loved the cast they just did a fantastic job at the characters.
3. Michael still loving me though I can't do the Vulcan salute. Being a geek it was a real tragedy him finding out that I couldn't. :)
4. getting my name at dreamwidth.org. I have a unique name but it still is hard to find it available out here on the web.
5. my parents giving me that unique name. I have always loved it and thankful they named me Darby.
6. for spending a great afternoon with Michael at the Art & Jazz festival. Pretty much right away we bought something. A little metal sculptural wall piece to group with a few other pieces we have from local artists. (take pictures later)
7. going out of town to meet a new friend (new to me old to Michael) and getting together with family to celebrate a special occasion.

Art on the Corner

Every year in Grand Junction we have what is called the Art & Jazz Festival. Michael and I have gone most years - I think maybe missing one out of the 6 years we have been together. They close off Main Street and line it with art vendors and then have a stage where then there is of course the other half the name...Jazz. It has gotten smaller each year - or at least it feels like it has to us. But we still go and support Colorado artisans.

With the festival comes the changing out of Art on the Corner. Grand Junction's Main Street has sculptures up and down it which they call Art on the Corner. And many of the pieces get moved or taken out to get ready for new pieces that are basically unveiled at the Art & Jazz festival. It is one of many things that I love about Grand Junction - is the art that lines Main Street.

Here is a few new pieces for 2009...

Star Trek

Oh my gawd I don't think I came out of a movie so excited in a long time. I loved it. I really did want to walk back in and see again right away. I want to be able to have it on DVD right NOW so I can watch it over and over. I am seriously not even a huge Star Trek fan. I mean I have always liked it but it has been one of those things I could give or take it. But this I loved and want more.

I am not even sure I know why I liked it so much. I just thought they all did so great - the cast. I mean Karl Urban was channeling DeForest Kelley. Which some might not like but I LOVED - I laughed so much at his lines because he was so Bones! Perfect! I wonder how JJ Abrams even saw him in that role as Urban's other roles are so tough and stoic. I love Urban in his other roles - drooled over him many times but I would have never though he could be Bones. Christopher Pine did a great James T. Kirk. I really didn't know him before. I mean I have seen him other things but not paid much attention to him. But I thought he did great in this role. We just have been watching Heroes recently so knew Zachary Quinto from there and I knew he would do a good Spock. And I feel he did. It was a slightly different Spock but one I really enjoyed.

When the credits were going, I was surprised to see a couple of names....I had no idea Wionna Ryder was Spock's Mom. Same with Eric Bana who I really like and can't wait to see in Time Traveler's Wife as Henry. I didn't even get that he was Nero through the whole movie.

Of course I was picking out JJ Ambram's Alias cast - Oz Perkin's was in season 4 just a few episodes. Amanda Foreman was in several seasons as Marshal's wife. And then Rachel Nichols was a main character in the last season of Alias. I saw a couple other people that I think were just one timer's on Alias. Like the guy that Kirk gave his motorcycle to was on Alias once. Yes I am an Alias fan.

So yes I liked it! I really was squeeing when we got to the car.

On a sidenote - the Terminator movie was one of the pre-views...the ships in the trailer look like the Firefly...Joss Whedon's Firefly ship.

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: I got the bedroom closet organized and decluttered. I have a box started that will be going to goodwill after I am done going through the house. Nothing else accomplished on these goals.

I support gay marriage

I just ordered a free sticker to support gay marriage here is the letter that they sent out to share for others to order the sticker also...

Dear friend,

After a lot of years of devastating setbacks in the fight for marriage equality, it seems like we're finally moving in the right direction. With marriage legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and Maine, and the fights going strong in New Hampshire, New York and California, this movement is gaining more momentum every day, and I'm excited to be a part of it.

To that end, I wanted to let you know that CREDO Action is giving away some awesome stickers about supporting gay marriage - I think you'd really like them. I just got mine - if you have a minute, click this link to check out the stickers and get one of your own (for free!).

https://act.credoaction.com/stickers/?r_by=-305079-qIAw7ix&rc=fb.connect&sp=i_love_love

Thanks!

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Michael being home from Denver!
2. the presents he got me - toys! Stickers, coloring book and magnetic "paper" dolls! Sqeee! (All Disney Princess stuff - specifically Belle as she is my favorite! She loves books too!)
3. getting quite a bit accomplished this week - steam cleaning carpets, deep cleaning bedroom and bedroom closet reorganized
4. getting one of my Doing Not Thinking Challenge goals done. (Bedroom closet reorganized)
5. friends getting married - just perfectly for them! The bride was just beautiful in her ring of flowers in her hair and bouquet from her flower garden. I am so happy for them.
6. giant cinnamon rolls that are just so YUM! It was a nice treat tonight!

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Progress: Well I didn't really do anything on these goals. I have been organzing and decluttering but not the specific areas I put down as goals. I haven't done art yet but I do think I have my studio organize in a way that will be more productive - easier to find things and see things that inspire me. For the Soul Collage goal I did tear some images out of magazines that I think I want to use for some of them. For the sewing goal as I said I picked up the book. And I have read it so now just need to see if I have fabric to make something or start deciding what I want to make.

Quick Wit

I am not a person that has quick wit. I wish I was but I just don't have it. The other day though we were in the car and I told Michael that although I am going to miss him next week when he goes out of town, that I was looking forward to getting a lot accomplished. It isn't that I don't get things accomplished when he is here. I just still am having problems balancing working for him - his business and being my happy homemaker-self which I was before he owned his business and worked outside home. And so when he is away I have a focus that I can't have when he is here.

He jokingly did crying sounds and whining that I wasn't going to miss him and that I wouldn't remember him at all when he walked back in the door after being away. I came back with - "I have pictures of you, so I know what you look like." I said it so seriously and Michael's mouth just hung open for a moment and then we both just started laughing. It could be one of those: "you had to be there moments" I guess but it was a surprising moment for me.

Gratitude Friday

1. for making really good progress on reorganizing.
2. for some good grocery store deals.
3. for finding a basic sewing book and excited about getting back to sewing some thing for the house.
4. for finding some good storage solutions for my studio
5. for being the first of the month. Every month on the first Michael wishes me happy anniversary - although the actual yearly anniversary is February 1st. But we try to celebrate the relationship every month as a reminder of how blessed we are to have each other.

Doing Not Thinking Challenge

I did the challenge last time Kathie at Two Frog Home suggested it. And I really liked having the goals and seeing that I was actually doing instead of just thinking. One of my BIGGEST thinking but not doing issues is my art. I think about it ALL the time. I have written down a ton of things in my art journals that I want to create but I don't actually get around to creating. So this time around I decided to put that into my goals.

So my goals for this Doing Not Thinking Challenge are:
1. Work on art once a month (great if more but I want to at least try for once a month)
2. Create Soul Collage cards (like at least 3 done by the end of challenge)
3. Organizing and decluttering - which I have been working on already but want to continue with these areas
* storage
* Michael’s office
* bedroom closet
* front closet
4. Sew one thing. I haven't sewn in years and picked up a basic sewing book at the library and want to make it a goal just to sew one thing so that I don't keep putting it off.

Recent Readings

Checked out Big-Ass Book of Crafts by Mark Montano is a fun book! Lots of kitschy crafts. Switch plates, hanging lamps, punk plates, Japanese hand-mirrors, Warhol litho-pillow, ultra-suede covered containers, fabric covered hangers and so many more. It is a big ass book of crafts but lots of fun.


Another I am reading right now is Home Hints and Tips by Rosamund Richardson. It is very interesting but also making me a little batty. It is a guide to living in modern times naturally, safely, leaving less of a foot print on the planet and just over all more healthy. Talks about all the toxins in paints, wax on foods, plastics leaching and so on - so making me a little sick to my stomach when I think about it all. It has great tips and resources though.

I would like to have both on my bookshelf.

Friends

As I mentioned in my gratitude post yesterday I received some mail love this past week. I couldn't find the card online but it is similar and from the same series as this one.

It said on the front:

"Awake, my dear.
Be kind to your sleeping heart.
Take it out into the vast
field of light
And let it breathe."

Inside she just wrote a very touching message. I have been having lots of insomnia and her words were a comfort.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful...
1. A lovely piece of mail love I received this week from a dear friend.
2. For getting some yardwork done and the shed painted - 2 tasks I am not especially fond of with my allergies.
3. For cookies I baked this week coming out PERFECT - which is at times a challenge in high altitude.
4. For being able to wear a spring top I bought on clearance this winter
5. For the wonderful day I spent with Michael. I had one of those moments that got me choked up and teary because I am so blessed to have him in my life.

I recognize that I have much more to be thankful for in my life.

Beautiful Day

We have had a lot going on here lately. So we just needed a little break. After making a delivery to a neighboring town, we stopped by the grocery store to pick up impromtu picnic supplies. And took the long way back to Grand Junction stopping to have a picnic up on the Mesa. There is still snow up there but it wasn't too cold. Just a cool breeze. And a beautiful view of the San Juan mountain range.

On our way up we stopped in a little town that had a distillary. We took a little tour and the owner was very passionate about it. And we could relate as we are pretty passionate about our business too. Michael had a drink of the whiskey and he said it was incredibly smooth.

While driving up, I had one of those moments that choked me up. Because I realized how blessed I am. I was able to spend the day with my love in our beautiful state just enjoying a nice spring day. It was truly a beautiful day in so many ways.