Something bleu

Some choice submitted photos from Boston.com

2011-02-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

Halloween preparations

2010-10-29T08:31:00.003-04:00

As soon as the girls don their Halloween costumes, they seem to take on new persona.

What a riot it is to watch a three-year-old and a one-year-old romp about the yard.

Here's a little snippet.
Enjoy!

Still looking!

2010-10-28T09:16:00.002-04:00

Can anyone tell me where my daughter Elizabeth left her shoe? I cannot find it anywhere!!

Preschool started today!

2010-09-14T16:37:00.001-04:00

Lucy had her first day at preschool today so I'm posting the obligatory picture.

I think she is just too cute, but I'd be a bad mom if I didn't think that!

Another Anniversary

2010-09-03T09:45:00.004-04:00

Today Tim and I celebrate our fifth anniversary.
I've posted this photo on my blog every anniversary since.

I obviously like the photo, too, because it's my Facebook profile photo. Is that cheating---it was five years ago!

I started blogging shortly after our first anniversary. And then here is the post from our second anniversary. Our third we celebrated with a framed portrait of this photo which I love. And here's last year with this quick post.

We're busy preparing and getting ready for the big tropical storm Earl to hit later tonight.

Happy Hurricane Anniversary, Timmmmmay!

{Little.Happy.Things}

2010-09-01T10:40:00.005-04:00

After my brief introductory paragraph, I have re-posted this entry from {Little.Happy.Things}, a blog I follow and enjoy reading.

On Friday, Tim and I will celebrate our 5th Wedding anniversary. At our wedding, back on that sunny, wonderful Saturday, I made a paper crane for everyone's place setting. It was a reference to the time I had made a 1000 paper cranes and made a wish. It wasn't long after my last was folded that my wish was granted. And I know I learned something along the way to 1000--it was well beyond 'how to fold a paper crane.'

Paper Crane Shower (折り鶴シャワー)

Do you know the story of the 1,000 origami cranes (千羽鶴)? It's a famous story in Japan about a girl named Sadako Sasaki (佐々木禎子), who tried to stave off her death from leukemia as a result of radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during the World War II by making 1,000 origami cranes. She folded 644 and died before she could reach her goal, but her classmates went on to fold the remaining 356 cranes in time for her funeral.

Her story of folding paper cranes has resonated around the world as a universal symbol of peace. Cranes also represent a gesture of caring and sympathy. In Japan, many elementary school students learn how to fold paper cranes in school, often before a trip to Hiroshima, and as a class fold 1,000 to bring with them.

I made 100 (but not 1,000) cranes for my friend last weekend. Not because she is hospitalized or anything like that but for her wedding! It's become more and more popular to use paper cranes as wedding decoration here in the states. But do you know about Paper Crane Shower (折り鶴シャワー)? In Japan, the crane is also a symbol of honor and loyalty, so it makes perfect symbol for a wedding. In the past 2 years, it's also become more and more popular for the newlywed in Japan to do Paper Crane Shower (折り鶴シャワー) instead of Flower Shower.

I like this idea very much, You can ask your family and friends to make the cranes for you, or with you, it's a good chance to get your family and friends involved and bring them closer. It also save some money, and you can have the cranes in any color you want. M friends told me that little kids also had fun picking up the cranes after the wedding.

A thousand paper cranes is also traditionally given as a wedding gift by the folder, who is wishing a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple. It can also be gifted to a new baby for long life and good luck. Hanging a Senbazuru (千羽鶴) in one's home is thought to be a powerfully lucky and benevolent charm.

If you are going to have a wedding, maybe you should think about doing this Paper Crane Shower (折り鶴シャワー). You don't have to make 1,000 of them, 2 to 3 hundred will do!

The sisters

2010-08-27T08:48:00.000-04:00

Lucy on a walk-run

2010-08-27T08:43:00.003-04:00

Friends since we were four

2010-08-26T08:49:00.000-04:00

Random photos of our girls

2010-06-09T17:25:00.004-04:00

These photos of Elizabeth crack me up. The flash gives her such big eyes.

and the doctor said her eyes will stay this blue color. Delight!!
We went to the Childrens Museum and Lucy enjoyed the Peep and the Big Wide World exhibit most!

And we recently visited friends in New Hampshire. This photo is from that visit.

Stormy weather

2010-06-09T17:21:00.001-04:00

It's been quite a spring. Here are some photos from recent storms and rainbows.

I liked this

2010-02-04T11:11:00.003-05:00

Funny that I'd post this because I'm not that in to music.

Maybe I would like music more if it were visual like this?

Lucy at breakfast

2010-01-24T15:13:00.003-05:00

We recently met friends for breakfast and this photo was taken by my friend with her new iPhone.Lucy's getting to be such a big girl! And notice how I'm cleaning her hands from the sticky maple syrup. You have to love breakfast!

Four-month-old Elizabeth

2009-12-12T06:13:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth is now 4-months old and quite a personality herself. So happy is our littlest girl. Seeing her makes me smile and my shoulders rise up to my ears in a sort of involuntary motion.
What fun!On Thanksgiving we took priceless photos of me and my girls along with my grandmother and mother. Four generations of wonderful women!My girls are wearing cutie matching outfits. Elizabeth with her grand-memere. Hurray!

Backyard snowman

2009-12-11T06:35:00.000-05:00

Last weekend after the snowfall we bundled Lucy up Went into the backyardand she and Tim made this(She told us it needed a hat and cheeks---so that is what those additions are, just so you know.)
She was focused and excited about what they built!See her holding the snowman's hand? Adorable.

A photo with Santa

2009-12-10T06:31:00.000-05:00

The visit to Santa is kind of crazy, isn't it?

"Here, little child, sit on this stranger's lap and tell him what you'd like to have and that you've been good." A bit peculiar, no?
I remember being a bit afraid of Santa. Lucy seems to be following in my footsteps. Even with her daddy there for support, she wasn't that thrilled with Jolly St. Nick.

Pull!

2009-12-09T09:57:00.001-05:00

In response to the last post, I received this message and I have to post it for everyone to see.

It really made me laugh.

Thanks, Wendy!

Thanksgiving tradition

2009-12-08T06:27:00.000-05:00

On Thanksgiving morning, it's tradition that we go to the family skeet shoot before heading to the big feast.

Tim really enjoys this exhibition of sportsmanship.

Our girlies don't mind the noise from the shots. In fact, Lucy is right at home with her great view from Tim's shoulders.
And next year, maybe we'll have Lucy on Tim's shoulders and Elizabeth on mine!

Our tree

2009-12-07T16:48:00.009-05:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving we typically get our Christmas tree. I think if the Christmas tree farms were open on Thanksgiving I'd have us getting it then!It was a blustery day, but we still trekked out into the wilds of Normandy Farms in Foxborough and cut it down ourselves.What fun!
It is kind of funny to see Lucy holding the saw.

You know we took it back right away.

Elizabeth was all bundled up.

It was mighty windy this day. Elizabeth didn't know what was happening but you could see the wind take her breath away.
We told Lucy that this string was holding the tree to the roof. She held it for dear life! Look at that focus.
And then Tim brought it in the house. Here it is before....And after!!!

Welcome Wesley!

2009-12-07T16:21:00.003-05:00

On Thursday my brother and sister-in-law welcomed their third son into the world. Wesley Eric weighed 6lbs 14oz and measured 20 1/4". His mom, Lisa, is doing well.

They came home on Saturday and we went to visit. The family is settling into life as "My Three Sons" quite well.

I'm so happy for all of them.
What a Christmas this is going to be!

Making apple pie

2009-11-30T07:40:00.000-05:00

At a recent trip to Whole Foods (overwhelming in a good way) we bought some apples. When we came home I decided to make a pie. It's better for us than watching another episode of Curious George.

Lucy enjoyed herself thoroughly.Here I am adding cinnamon to the apples. I think I had just admonished Lucy for trying to eat sugar. (I remember those days whilst cooking with my Mom. I wanted to taste everything!)She was eventually victorious in the Battle of Tastings.
Here I am helping Lucy put ice water in what will be our pie crust. And the two of us. Lucy's eyes are as crazy as my hair!
You can see the box that the "Apple Master" came in on our counter behind us. I bought it at a church rummage sale for $2.50. This little fandangled machine peels, slices, and cores the apples in a flash. And Lucy can use it, too. Tim told me it was cheating until he tried it out. Cutie.

A cord of wood

2009-11-28T07:26:00.000-05:00

In the last post I mentioned having a cord of wood delivered. What a great day that was! There is something so primal about stacking wood. I love it and the word 'cord'. Oddly fun.There's something, too, about things in bulk like this. I think I love things in bulk.

Lucy helped a lot. She was interested when the big truck came down our driveway, beeping the whole way, and then dumped a big 'messy' pile of logs there.
But soon she was really into it, even helping us stack.

And here she is with the finished woodpile.

And now she asks us all the time to have a fire in our fireplace---even when it's 60 degrees. A daughter after my own heart. Does me and my Girl Scout soul proud.

Everyone's in the kitchen

2009-11-27T07:29:00.000-05:00

A lot goes on in the kitchen and our girls like to be right in the thick of it. Here are some photos of a recent mealtime cookfest with Tim, daddy extraordinaire, and my up-and-coming foodie-daughters.

You may notice that the girls are in matching outfits, courtesy of my mom. Elizabeth in her little seat is pretty funny. And now that I have two girls, it's a struggle to get them both looking good in photos. Ah well.
Tim's getting out the eggs. He's become a great omlet-maker. Yummy and fluffy!
I can't wait for Elizabeth to start eating real food. What fun that was with Lucy, even with the extra laundry.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:11:00.000-05:00

In light of the holiday, here are the recent paintings I did leaning up against the fireplace.

Dig into that meal, enjoy, and be thankful. (For things like that cord of wood we had delivered!)

This year, I have many many things to be thankful for. Foremost is my family. Every single member. Love you!

My young artiste

2009-11-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

Lucy is only two but I think she's already showing signs of being a nascent artist!

The other day, whilst using up my cube of notepaper she informed me she was going to draw a square. And then she did! I mean, she doesn't even know how to hold the pen and voila!

Immediately after she told me she was going to draw 'George.' (That's Curious George, the monkey, for those not in the PBSkids realm.) I was impressed with her rendition. As I watched her she told me there were eyes, nose, and mouth. The bottom part is his chin.

Adorable. :)

Kim's daycare

2009-11-24T07:52:00.001-05:00

Recently my wonderful and helpful Mom was ill on a Friday when I would usually work in the gallery, leaving Lucy and my nephew Tucker with no one to watch them. Making best of the day, I thought it would be nice to have Tucker over to our house to bond with his auntie and cousins.

Here Lucy and Tucker are in the double stroller. We were on our way to the park at the top of the hill to see the animals. I had Elizabeth in the baby carrier on my chest. I got a workout this day for sure!

I thought all this park-going would tire them out, so I put them upstairs. I figured I'd try to put them in the crib together since I know they do that with twins and Tucker and Lucy are close buddies.

As I crept downstairs I thought I was in the clear. In fact, I was congratulating myself for my amazing nurturing skills.

This was not to last.

How foolish I was.

As I hit the last step, I heard the first giggle and then it was all over. Eruptions of laughing and then jumping signaled that there was to be no rest for the weary auntie. I brought them downstairs and we continued to play.

By the day's end I needed a nap!

In our house

2009-11-23T21:40:00.004-05:00

I saw this photo amongst the ones we recently uploaded from the camera and I had to laugh.
This is what goes on in our house lately. You'll see Lucy is loving the bubble wrap she is stomping on and making a ton of noise.

The coffee table is strewn with papers from her drawing.
(She took my entire cube of notepaper and 'used it all up, Mama.')

Tim doesn't seem to be enjoying the bubble wrap popping dance.

And, as always, Curious George is on TV. My little Lucy does love 'George.'

Where is Elizabeth? She's magically sleeping in the bassinet near where I'm taking this photo.

Similar, no?

2009-11-10T08:52:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I spotted this story on NPR.org about music. Those who know me know that music isn't really my thing--odd but true.

However, this silhouette (sans ear buds and iPod, of course) has my same hairdo!How stylish I am and didn't even realize it! (Ha!)

Bank deposits

2009-11-09T15:51:00.004-05:00

I'm amazed at what Lucy, our two-year-old, picks up from simply watching me go about my day.

I brought her to the car so we could run our errands for the day. She insists on getting in all by herself so I usually let her while I get Elizabeth into her car seat base on the other side.

Today Lucy climbed into the driver's side, sat down, and opened the console in between the front seats. She pulled out the Sovereign Bank deposit envelopes I keep there and found my pen.

Here is what she did while I finished up with Elizabeth.
I know I'm the mom, but I am a bit impressed.
Here is a detail:
Then I asked her to get into her seat in back and she told me that, no, she wanted to drive instead. Nice.

Sunday morning

2009-11-03T06:42:00.001-05:00

Fall photos

2009-11-02T08:27:00.004-05:00

I hope it's an expected indulgence that my blog has become a spot for me to show my two little girls---especially since Elizabeth is still so new and Lucy is such fun.

Yesterday we tackled the leaves in the front yard.Where'd Lucy go?
We plunked Elizabeth in the middle of the pile.Here Elizabeth sits in the yard with a leaf Tim propped in placed.
And then Elizabeth fell asleep. Ha!
And for fun, here is a photo of Lucy and Elizabeth in their Halloween costumes.
Lucy could have been a bunny or an alligator and she chose the alligator. Who would have thought?

On the sofa

2009-11-01T07:32:00.001-05:00

Here Lucy and Elizabeth hang out together on the sofa.Lucy loves to be near her sister, 'Elizabeff.'

She was playing with a scarecrow.
And I do love how Elizabeth doesn't take her eyes off it!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T07:27:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin carving

2009-10-30T11:21:00.004-04:00

Lucy and Elizabeth have both been a little sick with coughing and sniffles, but still we've been doing all those fall-type things you should do.We have three carved pumpkins with one saved for tomorrow.Lucy even enjoyed "The Great Pumpkin" despite the oddity of the World War I flying ace.
I can't wait to get them in their costumes and get photos of that!

Lucy's wild ride

2009-10-26T09:02:00.002-04:00

What's for dinner?

2009-10-21T15:05:00.004-04:00

The other day I took my girlies to the grocery store. In an effort to get out of there quickly and inexpensively I flew through the perimeter of the store---only hitting the bakery, produce, deli, meats, dairy, and then organic sections.

According to Consumer Reports, this is a better way to deal with a grocery store.

You'd think I'd have been a healthier shopper this way, except when I tell you what we had for dinner. Yikes! (I'm sure this will make my friend Nancy who has a food blog, grimace.)

On a suggestion of a coworker at the gallery who does wonders with crescent rolls and chocolate, I used a can of them (nice and healthy, right? They were the 'reduced fat' version. I think that means they only have a tiny bit less fake shortening or something) and rolled them with American cheese and ham. These cooked up nicely, and I could get away with calling them ham and cheese croissants.

To round out the meal, I steamed broccoli. Ha! Nice combo, eh?

Lucy ate it all up---including the broccoli which we tried to fool her by calling 'little trees.' Right. She told us it was broccoli and ate it begrudgingly.

Sorry I don't have pictures for you.

See the cows, Mama?

2009-10-20T08:16:00.005-04:00

Two postings in two days? I'm doing my best to give my blog some attention. Whether or not I have something to say is another story, but here goes!

NPR had broadcast a compelling series about the plight of the nation's dairy farmers.

Near us, in No. Smithfield, RI, Wright's Dairy Farm is a wonderful farm that has been in business for more than 100 years. We occasionally drive over to 'see the cows, mama?' and to buy our fresh milk, cream, eggs, and splurge in the bakery. It's not that far and it's nice to support a local dairy. (At Target and Stop and Shop I saw that their milk is from the Midwest.)
Here are photos from a trip we made a short (much warmer) time ago to visit the farm.
As I was telling my class recently, having children is such fun because you see things again through new eyes. Schmaltz-y but true.

A very Mom-type posting

2009-10-19T11:22:00.004-04:00

Without a lot of time to write, I figured I'd post some new photos of our girls and a cameo of my nephew, Tucker.

For those interested in what's going on with my artwork, please look to my other blog. (I actually updated that today, too!)

New things, no time

2009-09-10T10:02:00.002-04:00

Well well well. New things are afoot.

A new post will be coming soon, too.

New art. New craft. New supplies. New photos. So much new that it's a bit daunting to post. I'll get to it but not right yet. I'm riding the wave of energy that has me losing my pregnancy weight gain and creating a lot of fun stuff!

Anniversary indulgence

2009-09-03T08:41:00.001-04:00

Four years ago today Tim and I were married. Since I started blogging I've posted this photo on this day.I look back at it now and can't believe how much has happened since then: we bought a house and now we have two wonderful daughters.

Amazing to think of what is still ahead for us.

(And to be schmaltzy, I'm sure it'll be great!)

Elizabeth Dianne, our newest addition

2009-08-05T09:44:00.002-04:00

After a tumultuous few weeks where our baby couldn't decide which way she was supposed to be, she finally arrived without complication on Thursday, July 30th at 5:22am.

She weighed 7lbs 6 oz and measured 20.5" long.

We came home on Saturday, August 1st and have been busy getting used to our new 'schedule.'
All is quite well and rather exciting, despite the fatigue.

Here is a photo from Saturday as soon as we got home.

And here is a photo I love of Lucy visiting us in the hospital. She climbed up into bed with me and this is the photo Tim took. I do love it!!

Catching up a bit

2009-07-09T08:12:00.003-04:00

I am sorry to say that my baby's sideways position is going to be a bit of my focus until our little one straightens up head down or is delivered. Until then, it's nearly all I can think about. Last night wiggly worm kept me up from 4-6am and I wondered if she was busy scooting into position. Sadly, no such luck and now I'm plain t-i-r-e-d!

Don't think I just worry---no! I have a plan of action! Per advice from my wonderful OB/GYN, I'm off to my first acupuncture appointment this morning. We'll see how that goes. You know I'll keep you posted.Since I've been so neglectful of my blog, I have some photos I can post. We spent two days in Newport, RI and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Here Lucy and Tim hang out on the balcony overlooking America's Cup Avenue.
And here Lucy enjoys the lounge chair on the balcony. "Are you taking another picture?"
"Okay, I'll smile!"
I can't believe we'll have TWO girlies soon. :)

Finally

2009-07-08T10:57:00.003-04:00

A new post! It's been a month!! I usually don't take breaks like that, but obviously I felt a bit lacking in what to say.

Here's a photo of Lucy from the Independence Day weekend. We all had a great time and enjoyed a change from the ordinary.
Personally, we're just gearing up for the appearance of 'the final installment' to our family. Baby is due August 4th--so we're getting there. And I'm HUGE!

Being pregnant during holidays like the 4th of July can be tough. All I want is a nice Cosmopolitan! Mmmm. One of the message boards I contribute to is for women expecting in August. Another pregnant woman must be having similar cravings because she posted this recipe which I may have to try. I thought it sounded good. :)

STRAWBERRY MARGARITA PIE
1 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup lime juice
2 TBSP tequila
2 TBSP triple-sec
1 pkg (10oz) frozen strawberries, thawed
1 cup whipping cream, whipped

optional- fresh strawberries and mint leaves for garnish.

1. Combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and butter until well blended. press into the bottom of an ungreased spring form pan.
2. bake at 375 until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. remove from oven, chill.

~~~note~~~I have used a ready made, in pan, gram cracker crust and I don't even own a spring form pan, so that part seems unnecessary.

3. In a large bowl, combine the condensed milk, lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. Beat until smooth. Add the strawberries and beat at low speed until well blended.
4. Fold in whipped cream. Pour mixture over the crust. Freeze until firm, about 4+ hours.
5. Let stand at room temperature for a little bit before serving.

Apart from alcoholic cravings and blog neglect I've been posting on Facebook some day to day stuff, including when I learned that baby is lying in a transverse position rather than head down. Today I'm off to my doctor's appointment and I do hope to learn she has moved. I'd rather avoid a cesarean section if at all possible. We'll see. Wish me luck!

This made me laugh

2009-06-08T08:23:00.001-04:00

Afternoon in the backyard

2009-06-01T08:12:00.005-04:00

It was a busy weekend as always. Lucy was ill with her first stomach bug but she recovered quickly, and we had a great time Saturday afternoon hanging out in our backyard.
There is something special about seeing your spouse being just wonderful with your child.
Moments like these are such fun.

I do love our small backyard.
When we bought the house there was no grass here. Soon after moving in we planted the lawn and I proceeded to work toward the garden I've always wanted to have. Three years in and I'd say we're doing pretty well.

Lucy Lucy Lucy

2009-05-27T16:20:00.003-04:00

Lucy in mom's studio

2009-05-08T09:42:00.003-04:00

I'm off to work at the gallery but figured it's not too late for me to post these two photos Tim took of Lucy.

Here she is in my studio---silly cutie girlie in her hippo pajamas.
And here is a photo with quite a face by my desk. So silly! I love her big eyes!!

Daily life

2009-05-06T08:15:00.004-04:00

I'm getting my hair cut today!

Hooray!

(Funny how it used to take bigger things to get me excited...)

A little laughing and venting

2009-04-30T13:30:00.004-04:00

This is a creative short video which made me laugh so I thought I'd share it.

Hope you enjoyed!

It was good for me to get a laugh out of pregnancy. Now I'm in the last weeks of my second trimester and have been having a rough time emotionally, sort of akin to a pre-partum depression. When our Lucy was born I remember feeling lighter physically (of course) but also emotionally. With the birth of our second girlie I hope I'll have a similar experience.

Pregnancy tends to give others a sense of license to do things otherwise considered inappropriate and I tend to internalize all of it. For example:

There was the bartender who rubbed my not-yet-showing belly under the table I was seated at when I told him why I had ordered a cranberry juice rather than my usual Lite beer.

There are the comments and questions about how much weight I've gained which I always take to mean something judge-y about me gaining too much weight to their perspective.

Numerous people have commented about my poor timing with this pregnancy. Of course I'm pretty thick to have chosen to be pregnant through the hot summer months due the first week of August.

Best, though, was last week when an acquaintance, after inquiring how many weeks I was and how much weight I have gained, took her leave by putting her hand to my cheek and turning my head away saying, "Keep your face away from the food." You'd have to assume I've gained 100 lbs. rather than the 12 I have. Ah well. People.

Thanks for reading while I commiserated. Sometimes it only takes a good vent!

All about Lucy

2009-04-23T17:10:00.002-04:00

A few new shots of Lucy in the backyard.
She won't stay still!And she's such fun!

Two photos of Lucy

2009-04-17T08:50:00.002-04:00

I'm off to work at the gallery but wanted to post two recent photos.

Here's Lucy in her Easter dress looking out the front door at my parents' house at my two nephews just arriving. She loved her dress and twirled the instant I put her down.
And on Wednesday we spent a great day with my mother-in-law and stopped at the beach. Here is Lucy walking on the sand. It was so nice to be outside!

If you want to feel great, take a look-see

2009-04-14T08:44:00.003-04:00

I only have time for this quick post right now...

Embedding this video has been disabled, so please click this link to watch Susan Boyle sing on Britain's Got Talent.

You may have caught last year's similar audition of Paul Potts. If you didn't catch it, here's the link.

Enjoy!

What's to come

2009-04-09T09:06:00.005-04:00

I'm so anxious for better weather. Today looks promising and I'm hoping to take Lucy for a long walk up the hill to see the animals and spend some time at the playground. It tuckers her out and she has such fun.

I was trying to find some photos to post. In fact, Tim tried to get a good photo of Lucy with his Red Sox hat on and the results looked like this:She already knows how to be contrary. I'll bet she learned that from me.

I did find this photo from December 20th. Lucy doesn't look like she was enjoying herself, does she?

Seeing it makes me feel better knowing we've sailed through the cold winter and are heading into three good seasons. Hurray!

Lucy mightn't like JELLO

2009-04-03T08:56:00.005-04:00

Last night I taught my art class and today I'm off to work at Gallery 9. Since we're moving to a new location there is a lot on our plate but it's all exciting.

It's a gray day doing what the rhyme says April is supposed to do in laying the wet foundation for May's flowers. Spinning the gray day that way makes me feel a bit better about the weather. Our grass is nearly 100% green and that's great!

Here is a movie of Lucy eating JELLO. Tim and I suspect she doesn't really like it. Must be the texture.

Spring in my kitchen

2009-04-02T08:37:00.002-04:00

Easter is coming up and it's springtime. A change is in the air and I am delighted. This time of year I always make babka, Polish Easter bread. It makes the house smell delightful and the bread tastes just so good.

My father, the root of my Polish heritage, thoroughly enjoys my annual babka delivery. I have to say I look forward to the phone call when I get his review.This huge bowl is perfect for the 10 cups of flour the loaves require. (Can you see it has a ton of chips? I can be a bit quick, much to the detriment of all my ceramic bowls.) There's also my small bowl containing the zest of three oranges and one lemon. (I told you the smell was great.)
Here are more ingredients ready for assembly. See the wonderful raisins, dried apricots, and other mixed dried fruits? They are reconstituting in Grand Marnier. Mmmm. More delicious smells.

The babka rises three times and cooks for a half hour. My dad now has one loaf. One is in the freezer. One is being enjoyed at my home daily. This weekend I see French toast on the menu!

Sunday day trip

2009-04-01T08:58:00.004-04:00

On Sunday Tim had the idea that we should go to the New England Aquarium. On a rainy day he figured it was a good activity but that we should be there when they opened. We invited my brother and his family to come with us and we were all on the road nice and early.(Brad's face in this photo is just excellent.)

It was a good time and you could tell Lucy and Brad were thrilled with the outing. Tim's idea to get there early was brilliant, as the number of strollers kept increasing making it difficult to navigate the ramps around the giant tank. When we left the place was packed!
The lighting in the aquarium makes picture taking difficult, but we did our best.
Here's a great photo of Brad and a starfish. I love that the Aquarium allows the experience to be this hands on. Brad was enthralled!We might have a future scientist on our hands!

Blog updates and video teaser

2009-03-26T13:43:00.007-04:00

Today I've done some updating to this blog as well as my alter-ego's blog. New sites have been added to my blog roll, and you'll see that I also posted a widget from Goodreads (there are so many things I want to read.)

A big change I thought would make it easier to determine if you're reading my personal blog (this one) from my professional one (bretonbleu.blogspot.com) is a new font. I am not sure if I'll be able to live with this one, but I'm giving it a shot because, in theory, it's a smart thing to do.

More photos and video will be posted here, too. After much debate, Tim and I got a great deal on a new camera since mine decided after five years it didn't want to save anything to memory ever again. Look for more photos and videos soon, too. I need to read the manual and figure certain things out. (So many features!)

When we decided to buy a camera we first decided what we needed, then we determined our budget, and finally we went to consumerreports.com and did our research. Yikes do we sound mature or what?

The good news is that our new Fuji Finepix was the store display and we got a great price on a great camera. What an upgrade!!

Here's a little video from the park yesterday as a teaser.

Poor Lucy eventually lost her footing and went face-first down the kiddie slide (not this larger slide in the video) planting her face in the mulch. She suffered some minor cuts and some mulch-mouth but---here's the proud mom part of the sentence---after she was cleaned up and had calmed down she marched back up the stairs and down the slide again. Good for my little girl!

Please enjoy the changes and visit often.

Signs it's springtime

2009-03-24T08:50:00.004-04:00

The calendar says spring, but the weather yesterday surely did not. Blah! This winter has been difficult for me and the teasers we've had of warm weather make my heart soar---the cold again brings me down down down.

I've become determined to do better psychologically and am putting a happy face on everything. Hurray!

And so, it's springtime! It's now that cooking ingredients start to get a bit lighter and more seasonal. It's also now that branches can be forced and, if you look for them, hardy bulbs are peeking through the ground.

We have croci--in bloom! (Is that the plural of crocus?) We also have tiny sprouts from my Stella D'Oro lilies. Only last week the snow towered so high I had doubts of it ever melting.

In the same spot last fall I planted alium (pictured), a beautifully floral relative of the onion. It's just started to peek it's way through--three inches of green spiky plant tinged with maroon. Hurray again!

We have a forsythia bush dividing our property from our busybody neighbor. She constantly is quasi-repirmanding me for not trimming it more aggressively. She doesn't see that I'm not trimming it because it provides privacy, yes, but also because it's satisfying that small passive-aggressive part of me. Bad me.Last week I did trim it and I saw my neighbor excitedly watching me from her window. I only selected a few choice branches for forcing. This morning they are in bloom. And for the third time this post, "Hurray!"

Last night's sunset

2009-03-20T09:27:00.003-04:00

I've become accustomed to driving to teach my art class in the dark. Now that we're in Daylight Savings Time, things have changed---hurray!This was the sky as we entered the building. Of course I had to take some photos!And then class was such fun. I have the best students.

Sweet or savory or both?

2009-03-19T12:33:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am pregnant. My belly is stretching out past what looks normal and now that spring is near, I'm not as covered in my big wool coat. I think maybe there is no mistaking that some time in the future I am "due."

Perhaps I can blame my present status for my hankering to give these a shot.....

photo by Jennifer Adams

You can find the recipe for Potato Chocolate Chip cookies here.

Lucy in the window

2009-03-17T08:24:00.002-04:00

My studio used to be a sun porch so we have the bonus of a window from the studio to the living room. I remember when we first saw the house how much fun I thought that window could be.Imagine as a child using it as a window for playing take-out or bank teller or who knows what. Well, Lucy is only 20-months-old but has already taken a fancy to our window.I can't stand it---she's so cute. (Of course I'm biased.)

On my bookshelf

2009-03-16T08:20:00.005-04:00

On Daylight Savings Day, also International Women's Day, I celebrated my birthday. Tim and I went to dinner at Skipjack's and had a great meal. The menu there is lovely---the fish so fresh. Of course I would have loved the sushi and a great cocktail but that will have to wait until our girlie is born.

He splurged on my gift, too, and bought me Amazon's Kindle 2.I was overwhelmed by it because I know it's a pricey gadget. Tim's rationale made me smile. He wanted to erase the stigma of the rice cooker birthday gift which I think had to be five years ago. The rice cooker made worse because I had been thinking it might be an engagement ring. And the real kicker here---he is the one who likes rice.

photos from amazon.com

It's just the coolest thing, especially from someone who hasn't been up-to-date with gadgets. I don't have an iPod because I don't really like music (an oddity, I realize, but it does make an iPod a bit unnecessary.) Reading is something I enjoy, and Tim said he thought I'd be a cool mom on the beach this summer reading on my Kindle. (He's a cutie.)

Since it arrived, I've been reading a lot and using its "text to speech" function to listen to my books while I paint. (How cool is that?) I also made a little Kindle cozy for it out of felt---my favorite easy-to-use fabric of choice.It came out better than this photo represents. My camera is on the blink and so my picture-taking skills have fallen off, but you get the gist. The front piece is detachable and holds the USB charger. It was fun to make and fun to take out my sewing machine.

The first book I read was The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I've been downloading free samples of books (the first chapters) and reading those before deciding to buy the entire book. My home page is loaded with samples which I figured would be like a 'wish list' of things on my reading list.

I'm going to have to follow Tricia's lead and get on goodreads and post books that are on my list. I've been scouring the blogs I check regularly for reading ideas. From Tricia I found the Saucier's Apprentice---a book I downloaded a sample of just last night.

The creative block painting-wise continues somewhat but I can sense a change is percolating. I'd bet it has something to do with spring, just around the corner. Hurray!

The question at hand

2009-03-10T13:40:00.003-04:00

In the effort to simplify, I'm considering what to do with my two blogs.

When I stopped paying exorbitant fees for a website which was no longer pertinent, I had considered that a personal blog and a professional blog could be a solution. My application to Boston Handmade was pending and directing people to my professional blog and my Etsy shop were prudent since my website was defunct.

Along comes Weebly (free websites!) and a solution to the problem. My website needs work, but it's a start. Maybe I'd get to it if I had time....

This brings me to the question at hand: is it time to consolidate my blogs? Some artists I follow have a nice blending of professional and personal and I enjoy reading whatever they choose to post (check out Tracy Helgeson's blog for a great example of this blend.) I'm leaning toward doing this myself.

I've been posting to something bleu now for four years and I'm finding it hard to let go. In thinking of branding myself, though, it may be best to be under the Breton Bleu Studio heading. And even that name itself brings with it a bevy of issues....

This book about art marketing sure has me thinking.....

And we're having a...

2009-03-03T20:19:00.001-05:00

Girl!

At least the doctor was mostly certain we'd have a girl. She did leave a little wiggle room. She was emphatic that all looked good and that is wonderful.

Thanks for voting!

As soon as I get a scanner or something I'll post one of our photos. It's pretty insane to have seen her. :)

Boy or Girl? Take a poll!

2009-03-03T08:28:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, in the snow, we were supposed to have trekked into Boston for an early ultrasound to check in on our little baby's progress and gender. (You can vote what you're thinking we'll have in the poll to the right of this post.)

Alas, the snow held us back.

Not to fear! Today at 3pm we will be there and I'll be reporting our results here upon our return. What fun.

A little assessment

2009-02-26T08:34:00.007-05:00

Staying at home with Lucy gives me a bunch of time to think and lately I've been thinking about the choices Tim and I have made. All of the choices have allowed me to stay at home and be the principle care giver to Lucy. Really, this in itself is a gift.

I work at the gallery on Fridays and my mom watches our little girl. I teach painting on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Whenever I can, I'm painting and working on new inventory.

There is a lot on my agenda and it's all self-driven and I love being my own boss.

When creative blocks happen, I think it's that I need to stop and enjoy where we are right now: taking care of a fabulous 19-month-old and nearly halfway-through my pregnancy for a new baby.

Things Tim and I spoke about years ago for our "grand plan" are coming to fruition and it's been a lot of work for both of us.

It's been good work and it makes me proud.

On cooking and recipe ruts

2009-02-25T08:06:00.006-05:00

My friend Kristine has often called requesting a quick recipe discussion because she feels she's in a rut. I love these conversations because coming up with interesting and diverse meals can surprisingly be such a challenge. I also find myself in a continuous loop of the same old flavors and standbys.

To mix it up I've been following recipes and trying to buy more exciting ingredients. (Usually I'm a pretty intuitive cook---"a little of this and a little of that" is how it goes.)

Lately we've had good results. A resource has been Fast Food My Way by Jacques Pepin. Here I find fun, quick recipes which taste delicious. The recipes also offer suggestions for substitutions (in case you might not have mirin on hand....)

Two nights ago we had salmon with white wine and a Tabasco-lemon sauce served with broccoli and rice. It was great, and it was new for our taste buds. Last night I made Chicken Marsala. It was a standby recipe from my arsenal but one that I hadn't made in a long time. Again, lovely.

One of the dishes I made recently got us a bit excited. Tim and I enjoy going to Loco for tapas in Easton, MA. While there we often order their Serrano ham with fig. On Saturday I recreated the dish and we were happy with our outcome for a nice light lunch.

You'll need:
Baguette
Fig spread
Prosciutto
Balsamic vinegar
Brown Sugar
Watercress

Start by making the balsamic reduction:
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar in a small pan. Cook on low until almost reduced by half. Add 1/8 cup to 1/4 cup brown sugar according to taste. (This will keep in your fridge for a nice long time and is great on salad, meats, and even strawberries.)

Toast 1 1/2" thick slices of baguette.
Spread toast with good fig spread.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
Top with slice of prosciutto.
Serve with ample garnish of watercress.

Devour. Delicious!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2009-02-24T08:35:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I last posted here, and I am just not sure what I have to say.
I have a hard time with winter. Back when I skied, winter was better. Now whilst pregnant and taking care of nearly-20-month-old Lucy, things have changed a lot. Excitement is a trip to Target up the street and preparing some fabulous food for the family.

I'm nearly half-way through this pregnancy and pregnancy wears me out. When I was expecting Lucy I was fearful I'd never feel like my normal self again. Now at least I know there is a quasi-return to where things used to be.

My studio is freezing in this weather. Tim and I have made new windows a priority for that space before next winter (!) and what fabulous news that is. We've done such work on insulating, but when the breeze can be felt through the casements insulating won't make such a big difference.

I'm going to get more interesting soon and that's a promise!

General doings

2009-02-05T08:15:00.003-05:00

It's a cold one today. As expected I've had a busy week. The good news is that I'm feeling much more like myself. My morning sickness has passed (whew!) and I've been working on acquiring some clothes that make me feel like me while I am thickening around the midsection.

Lucy is fantastic! I brought her to get her portrait taken on Monday. She was distracted and busy, but still a cutie. (Yes, I'm biased.)

I haven't done any artwork in forever. I have been doing a lot of research, though, looking at art in galleries, studios, books, and on line. In its own right that can be exhausting, too.

Not that exciting right now in Kimland. I'm working on it!

Groundhog day

2009-02-02T08:43:00.004-05:00

It's six more weeks of winter according to our friend Punxsutawney Phil. (I have to add that Phil's teeth are perfect compared to his handler's perfect teeth.)

Ah well. Just what many of us were hoping not to hear.

I've got a busy few days so not much to report right now. I'll check in again soon with pictures and more to say.

Have a good day!

Enjoy the balmy weather---it's in the high 30s!

Winter vista

2009-01-30T08:45:00.002-05:00

While working on some pastels in our warm and sunlit dining room yesterday afternoon, I stopped to document my work.

Here is a photo from our front window toward our neighbors' homes.
Ah, the snow. You can't even see the road!

It really is one heck of a winter!

My blogs

2009-01-29T08:53:00.005-05:00

I've been working hard to update my blogs on a regular basis and it's been going along well recently. I figured I'd take a moment to tell you the blogs I post for so you understand why sometimes this one becomes the photo-log of my daughter, Lucy.

Something bleu is my personal journal blog. I cover things about our household, my pregnancy, and my daughter with random other thoughts peppered in here, be that political, arty, or any other number of subjects.

Breton bleu is my professional blog, named after my studio (which used to be a brick-and-mortar shop which I just loved in my past life). Here you can find my latest paintings and thoughts on what I'm working on or inspired by artistically.

Frame of Mind is the blog for the gallery where I work as Gallery Director. Here you never know what you'll find: it could be marketing advice, new work, announcements for programs and shows we're working on, and who knows what else.

Boston Handmade is the blog of the fabulous art collective of the same name which I was juried into this past December. I periodically post to this blog with insights and thoughts on things related to my art and life.

All of the blogs don't get postings every day, but I have been trying to be the most active with my professional blog. I've felt this need to create, and I've been taking the time during Lucy's nap to stop household chores and get painting!

A snowy Wednesday

2009-01-28T08:43:00.003-05:00

It may be the Girl Scout in me but I do love to have a nice blaze in the fireplace. Alas, this year we didn't buy wood.

From time to time we get some wood for a small fire. This video I took last month when we were again being pelted by snow. It makes me laugh--and wish I had some wood today during this small snow storm.

She made herself comfy and I thought it was adorable.

The art of playing

2009-01-27T17:09:00.006-05:00

Tim and I have been enjoying creative time with Lucy.

Here's a little video of our activities. Enjoy!

P.S. Hi Emily in New Hampshire :) Enjoy the snow!!

Camera at the ready

2009-01-27T08:40:00.005-05:00

I was picking up the dining room and saw Lucy in the kitchen. Of course I had to take this picture.
Funny in general but made more funny by the fact they're on the wrong feet.

A while later I heard a noise that was oddly familiar in the living room. Here is what I found.It only took 6 seconds to nearly empty the tissue box.Ah, it's all such fun!

Official presidential portrait

2009-01-26T17:46:00.006-05:00

My friend and art student Ann Gorbett had told me about the presidential portrait of George W. Bush and had given the piece an interesting critique. Poking around today on line I came across this video.

I will not miss the former president's speeches. His smarmy delivery made me crazy.

Please excuse this somewhat political posting today. I don't often discuss politics, but this one blends a bit of art so I thought it was permissible.

At breakfast

2009-01-26T08:51:00.005-05:00

Every morning my little family has breakfast together before Tim bolts off to work. Lucy loves this time and I think the consistency is good for her. I took these photos and I liked them in a series. Here they are: My little family. The two of them seem to have gotten more comfortable with the idea of me taking photos during breakfast. This is what Lucy does when we tell her to make the "Angry Face." It makes us laugh.And even being goofy, look at how sparkly Tim's eyes are. What a hoot.See all the snow outside? Blah! And more is coming for Wednesday and Friday. I'm not sure where we're going to put it. Yikes!

Looking to the positive

2009-01-23T07:59:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a mix of good and bad.

Tim met me at my doctor's office, and we both heard our baby's heartbeat. What a joyful sound! Other than a thickening waist and a feeling a little off-kilter with nausea, I'm not yet showing so it's hard to believe we're going to be having another baby.

Swish swish swish and we have exciting and healthy proof!With that good, though, I brought my car to the mechanic and needed a new radiator. Bad. This is just one thing my car requires to be up to snuff, so it seems that after three years without a car payment, we'll be looking at a new-to-us car I'd think within the next two-ish months. Right now we're saving and starting the research.I didn't paint yesterday myself, nor did I end up buying any flowers. Instead I spent the day waiting for my car at my parents' house, which was pretty fun in itself. In the evening I taught my art class and had a great time. What fun they are!

And so now it's Friday. I'm going to work at the gallery today and am looking forward to a productive day (we always get a lot done.)

This morning, though, for my blog I looked through my "artist references" folder on the desktop and in the "photography" section found these assorted shots which made me think of what is coming.

Maybe I enjoy sunshine and better weather so much because of the winter.

January is nearly through so things are looking up!

Winter blahs

2009-01-22T08:47:00.006-05:00

Clicking on my blog only to read about how I dislike winter isn't that exciting.

I think today I may go to the grocer and buy some flowers. Fresh flowers can make a nice statement, right?

Tonight I also teach my art class and I love to. This morning Tim is joining me at the doctor for a check up on our baby. My car---acting badly---is going into the shop. A busy day is on deck and we'll see if I can get some flowers. Maybe we could all try painting them at art class! Hmmmm.

Not much else to report. I think my creative juices are stewing. We'll see!

A new president and an old poem

2009-01-21T10:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's inaugural events were on our television all day and into the night. I do love history and enjoy all the ritual and protocol of a big deal like yesterday.

The swearing in was lovely. The speech was inspiring. The inaugural poem was fine, but did not stand up in my memory to the inaugural poem of Clinton's in 1993 by Maya Angelou. My memory of her delivery prompted me to do a Google search and I found this.

I especially enjoy how this poem ends. I just felt so much hope.

It's cold outside, pt 2

2009-01-16T08:08:00.003-05:00

The cold snap continues. Right now the thermometer we have on the window in the dining room is up to four degrees. This morning it was only one so we're on the rise!

Here is Lucy in the backyard stomping through. I'm posting this because I want you to see the small gnome we have in the garden, peeking through the snow. Can you just see it's little red cap sticking out of the snow there on the right side of this photo? Funny, because there are two gnomes who live in our garden and one went missing! Tim and Lucy went on some reconnaissance for me and look at what Tim found:
Obviously he had fallen over and was encased in ice and snow. Looks pretty macabre, doesn't it? Kind of reminds me of that end scene in To Die For with Nicole Kidman and Matt Dillon.

The good news is that he's been extricated from the ice and is back to holding his regular post in our garden, awaiting better weather. Thanks for finding him, Tim!

It's cold outside

2009-01-15T09:34:00.005-05:00

To go along with the winter weather, here are some photos of Lucy in the snow.

I do love this photo of Lucy with the snowflake on her nose.

And a little video....

More snow is supposed to come later this morning. We'll see how much we get.

Our art collection, pt 1

2009-01-12T08:11:00.005-05:00

Artists buy art. It's true and I love that we do---even in a bad economy. When I gave a talk on framing the other day it prompted me to take photos of some of my art collection and discuss their frames.

Here is just a small smattering of some of the pieces hanging in my home.

This painting is by Don McKillop and I love the color of the sky. You'd be surprised to know that the frame shop burned down while this was waiting to be framed. I had to clean the soot from it and bring it to a new frame shop, but I'd say it still looks great. I was so relieved!This is a Beth Ellis and it means more to me than any of the paintings in my collection. Dear friends gave it to me at a wholly unexpected time when their kindness meant more to me than I wonder if they even know. I still look at it now, years since it was given, and my heart swells. So special.
Anthony Gill is an artist I've been following for years. I posted about this painting here. It's a little gem of a souvenier from a place we thoroughly enjoy.
To mix up our oils, we also have antique prints, like this map of France from 1798. I love looking at it on the wall of my dining room.

This painting of Memorial Pond, Walpole is by Susan Kelley. It's the third piece of Susan's we acquired and I love it. It's a painting I love more and more as I spend more and more time with it. The colors are wholly a palette I LOVE and the luminous quality to this piece is something I have been studying.

This painting was a gift from my in-laws from Christmas. They had purchased it at the Abbey Art Auction where I had been bidding against them until I realized who I was up against. Little did I know that it would soon grace our little home. Hurray!
We also have some wonderful photography, watercolors, and more. I also want to show some of our newest acquisitions by a husband and wife artist couple who do wonderful and diverse work.

I'll post some of those, soon.

At my parents' house

2009-01-09T08:21:00.006-05:00

I have finally uploaded my photos and videos from the holidays. When I did I found these gems taken by Tim.

Hope you enjoyed them!

Our big news

2009-01-06T10:33:00.000-05:00

I've been absent forever, I know. I've been a bit run down and not myself.

There is a good reason, though. I'm pregnant and due early August. Yesterday I heard our baby's heartbeat and it was wonderful.

Hopefully I'll be returning to my regular posting schedule. Now that the holidays have passed, things may be getting somewhat back to normal.

Intense concentration

2008-12-09T09:42:00.003-05:00

Lucy loves to climb and yesterday while I was making an inventory list of items I was bringing to Nest, Lucy climbed into a chair and grabbed a pen and started drawing. Of course I had to catch this on video.

I love how she says "Buh-bye."

Holiday breakfast

2008-12-09T09:35:00.004-05:00

We were invited to a breakfast with Santa last Saturday. Lucy and I went with my mother and had a nice time.

Here Lucy plays with other kids and a big red ball. She was enjoying herself thoroughly.

That is...until...SANTA arrived.

We tried to get a photo of her with Santa but she wanted no part of it. I tried to get in the photo, too, but still---no go.

Here, after the Santa ordeal, she is still unhappy with us.

We'll have to rethink the Christmas card photo, I think.

Gone bananas

2008-12-09T09:31:00.003-05:00

The other day I ran into the grocery store to get some bananas for Tim. He is exceedingly picky about his lunch and always needs a banana included amongst the yogurt, sandwich, and pretzels.

He and Lucy waited in the car whilst I ran in and found this.Have you ever seen such a measly display of bananas?

Slim pickings, huh? We ended up with the small group right in front. They didn't look the best but at least is was something.

Not much to report

2008-12-05T09:44:00.003-05:00

My professional life is full-throttle right now. Personally things are great. Christmas shopping is progressing and the house is all decked out for Christmas. What fun.

Here are some photos of our tree-cutting extravaganza last Sunday.

What an ordeal it was for Lucy to walk amidst the trees on the farm. The ground was not even and that gave her little feet a lot of trouble.

Tim is strong!
And afterward, when the tree was decorated, Tim sat with Lucy to show her some special ornaments. She was enthralled.
Tim took this photo of life with our tree. Lucy loves to stare at it and be near it.
Lately all my posts seem to end with "she is just such fun." How can I make this one be any different?

Lucy meets our tree

2008-12-01T08:38:00.003-05:00

It's Lucy's second Christmas and this year the tree is a big hit.

When she awoke from her nap yesterday Tim brought her downstairs and she was overjoyed at this new exciting thing in our living room.

It's just the best to see everything new through Lucy's eyes. What fun we're having!

Seasonal fatigue

2008-11-26T08:49:00.003-05:00

I have been busy preparing things for the holiday: painting, cooking, food shopping, heading into the city, and much, much more. (That phrase sounds like I've become a game show announcer, doesn't it?)

Fatigue has begun to set in. Last night, Tim and I went to bed at I think 9pm---unheard of in our house! Lucy's in bed for 8 or earlier. Tim and I tend to straggle upstairs after 11 but before 1am. That is---until last night.When I came out of my studio after finishing framing some of my work, here is what I found. Lucy is in rapt attention of Curious George again! (She could watch that all day long if we'd let her.)

Today at least we're refreshed and raring to go! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Our morning routine

2008-11-25T09:36:00.004-05:00

Often in the morning, after Tim has left for work and things are cleaned up from breakfast, I take care of my morning to do list which includes emails and blogs. During this time, Lucy watches Curious George.

I often get up to check her during her cartoon-watching indulgence. Today when I went into the living room, I couldn't see her. She wasn't in her normal kid-sized rocker, but instead I found her on the floor between the sofa and the coffee table.

Comfy as a bug in a rug.

We're off to start the day. I'm glad Lucy has rain boots.

Eating soup

2008-11-24T09:22:00.005-05:00

Of all things to feed a 17-month-old, my home-made tomato soup is far and away one of the messiest.
She was so proud of herself as she used her spoon. (We were proud of her, too!)
And enjoyed the macaroni and cheese accompaniment. Here she uses a noodle as a whistle.You always have to rub your eyes when your hands are covered in tomato soup.
And while you're at it---rub your mouth and nose, too. Get good and messy!

This photo is so you remember what she looks like when she's clean.
Our little cutie.

Swinging and other things

2008-11-20T14:47:00.004-05:00

Tim and Lucy enjoyed themselves last weekend on the swings. She's such a hoot. What fun we are having.

Lucy is napping right now so I'm taking this short break from painting. It's the busiest time of year for me professionally, this year more so because of the before-posted opportunity I have to show in a downtown Boston storefront. Hurray!

Back to painting and capturing the last of the day's sunshine.

What I'm working on

2008-11-18T12:55:00.005-05:00

Those who follow my professional art life blog know that I'm working hard preparing for upcoming shows and exhibits. It's a frenetic time of year, and I love it.

To touch base, I'm in Boston today helping prepare the space for Boston Handmade Downtown. It's an exciting venture that I'm delighted to be involved with. My studio is in good order. Lucy is such a fun 16-month-old. Tim is working hard and helping me balance my time by watching Lucy a few nights so I can teach/work/paint, etc. It's busy but all quite good.

I went through my "artist references" file on my desktop and found I thought I'd post this little cartoon. It was in my sub-folder called "things I just like." I'm looking forward to January!

Shocking!

2008-11-12T21:48:00.001-05:00

I just have to post this picture:

What a relief for the wallet!

In search of inspiring landscapes

2008-11-11T09:50:00.005-05:00

Yesterday the sun was wonderful and I took Lucy out to find some new spots to paint. We went to Moose Hill Farm in Sharon, MA and walked the two mile trail. It was fun, but toward the end Lucy got heavy!

I took these photos. She didn't walk so well in the big field, but we had such fun!

A dedication to a fallen veteran

2008-11-08T15:58:00.003-05:00

This morning, Tim, Lucy, and I drove to my old hometown of Walpole, MA to see this dedication. My parents, brother and sister-in-law, art class, and other friends joined with many others in honoring Andrew Bacevich who was killed in Iraq.

When it comes to posting about this subject, I never can quite put into words what I want to say.

Here is the NECN story of the dedication.

It was a lovely event and another showcase of the generosity and thoughtfulness of others in honoring a fallen soldier and supporting the family by sharing their grief.

Ribbon wreaths

2008-11-05T08:19:00.004-05:00

Years ago, I think it was in Victoria magazine, I saw an antique wreath made from Victorian ribbons. It was beautiful. The wheels in my brain started turning then but it was years later that I would actually sit to make my own version.

I sell these on my crafty etsy site and love them. They make me happy: it's like I'm celebrating something everyday.

My own wreath is jam-packed full of ribbons of all sorts. I have ribbons on there that I have collected for years. Some are from gifts for my wedding, or Lucy's baby shower, anniversary presents, and from balloons when Lucy was born---all of it is captured in this little bit of textile happiness.

Yesterday it fell off its nail in my studio and of course Lucy found it and picked it up.

What else do you do with a wreath but put it on your head?

She's such fun.

Autumn doings

2008-11-03T09:29:00.006-05:00

Now it's getting dark earlier and the trees have lost 50% of their leaves. Halloween has passed and the stores are all decked out for Christmas(!) already. Here are some appropriate photos for this time of year.
Ah, the fruits of Tim's labor. He had three big piles of leaves in our back yard. I ran out to get some photos while I was in my studio painting. I saw that the shadows were long and the light was golden.
Lucy was Tigger, thanks to a hand-me-down from my good friend with two wonderful children of her own.

And here's Lucy hanging out on the threshold to my studio. You can't see it here but I had managed the tiniest "curl" near her ear. Trust me, it's there.

This photo I'm putting here just because it's a riot.It's still warm out at the time of this photo because that's one of those tower fans on the left. Look how cute and silly Lucy is. Goodness I don't like fall. I LOVE the summertime.

Sigh.