Play Daze

Black & White

2011-03-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

The simplicity of black and white and the power of color work for me over and over again. It's all about the juxtaposition of these elements and how they move together. I consider most of my black wardrobe as a background awaiting the splash of color to happen. A scarf, bright lips or bold jewelry seem to look better on black. Here, I simply love the way the color of one word can make the entire page feel like something extra special. Typography and color change everything. Where's your color hiding?

Thaw

2011-03-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

No more socks or slippers

against a cold wooden floor,

or lost under the bed.

Bare. Ready.

Toe, heel, ball, arch. Planted.

Limbs energize.

A connection unbroken.

The familiar healing.

Waiting for me,

to grow with it.

Warm-up with Tortilla Soup

2011-02-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 tsp or more olive oil

1 medium onion diced

6 cloves garlic, pressed

2 large jalapenos, seeds removed, minced

1/2 tsp or to taste, coarse sea salt

1- 28 oz can Muir Glen crushed fire roasted tomatoes (*must*)

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground oregano

1/4 tsp allspice

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice

12 cups chicken stock**

meat from one chicken (optional)

freshly chopped cilantro (garnish)

Heat oil in heavy 5+ quart pan. Add onions, garlic and jalapenos. Saute for 10 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add tomatoes, seasonings and salt. Simmer until all ingredients blend together, approximately 20 minutes. Add shredded meat from one chicken, followed by citrus juice and simmer for 5-10 minutes longer. Rest soup on low heat for about 15 minutes to blend flavors, no simmering.

Serve over baked corn tortilla strips (optional) and add cilantro garnish (recommended). This soup isn't thick, but definitely has a lot of body to it.

** Chicken Broth. This soup is excellent with homemade broth. To accompany flavors for this soup I used water, one fresh chicken, carrots, onion, celery, bay leaves (2), TBS oregano, sea salt. (remove veggies and bay leaves from broth when done - for flavoring only)

Solo Valentine for Dear Teacher

2011-02-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

Hand cut card in cellphone sleeve with

torn tissue, button fixtures & silky floral ric-rac.

I love

this creative process and how it literally pours forth.

This Valentine's day I produced only one beauty.

Yet no love was lost on the purchased versions.

Instead, those find me and turn into a year long collection -

just waiting for the next Valentine's Day.

Hello Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to have a great day and you're not even here yet. What a fun weekend I've had buying little presents for my family and actually having a real date with my husband. We had a lovely meal and then ended up in the bookstore. Romantic? Well, if you consider the bookstore is the location of our first time going out with each other, I would say "YES". Sometimes just getting to be yourself in a time frame that is unrushed and in a mutually inspiring setting, without being right next to each other is romantic.

Tonight I made a delicious homemade caesar salad dressing tossed with romaine, of course. I tried a new flourless and almost butterless chocolate souffle recipe, which was too large of a serving much for me - never thought I'd say that! I only had three ramekins, but the recipe called for four. Next time I'd like to add a little vanilla and heap them with whipped cream or fresh sliced strawberries. I also served broiled grass fed beef steaks with roasted garlic. Wow.

A surprise treat bag is waiting for "J" on the front door. He'll see it as he heads out the door early in the a.m. Yes, a romantic card, chocolate, Caribou coffee gift card, a bag of trail mix and some bath salts ... sure thing, it's all packed with a big kiss.

I'm off to wrap some presents for "E" on my very clean and organized art table and I am so excited. I love to wrap.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Red Lentil Soup Sarah Style

2011-02-10T21:13:00.000-08:00

Warm your heart. Feed your soul. Eat with great delight. Feel the difference. Support local tended foods and use organic when possible.

5-6 fat carrots

4-leafy thick celery stalks

1-cup dried red lentils

1-bulb roasted garlic

4-cups chicken stock or H2O
1-28 oz can Muir Glen organic
fire roasted tomatoes
1-onion

1-2 bay leaves

salt

fresh cilantro

olive oil

roast garlic, it really brings out the flavor and is much deeper tasting in this delicate yet hearty winter soup. set garlic on baking dish. roast at 425 degrees until tender - 15 minutes or so. cool slightly. chop. save.

in a Dutch oven saute 1/2 - 1 onion in olive oil or other healthy oil. add carrots and celery when onion softens. drop in 1-2 bay leaves. lightly steam veggies as they saute, by placing lid on Dutch oven. as veggies begin to turn bright orange and green, add in the dried lentils. let them get nice and hot, stirring them around in the pan. hot lentils soak up the liquid well and cook faster - taste better.

pour 4 cups of water or 4 cups organic chicken stock over the veggie/legume mixture. re-place lid. cook longer until lentils start to soften. at this point open one can of (Muir Glen) fire roasted crushed tomatoes - time to add the garlic.

let everything simmer until the lentils soften and tomatoes blend in - approx 25- 30 minutes. add sea salt to taste. if soup gets thicker than you like, add a little more water or chicken stock, but not too much. expect a thicker consistency due to lentils. serve with fresh chopped cilantro.

Marketing It to Mill City Museum Farmer's Market

2010-10-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

This morning's trip to the Mill City Farmer's Market was so much fun! I've been wanting to go for weeks and we finally made it, thanks to great weather and a little marketing, or what I like to call creative parenting. So, it's hard to go anywhere on Saturday or Sunday because E has such a fun time in our yard. He cannot think of anywhere he likes better! (Really!) I know that's awesome and ideal, but sometimes his parents have fun things they want to do too. "Hey, want to go down by the Mississppi River tomorrow and dig for fossils in the limestone!" Fortunately the river is right across the street from the market.

Here's the awesome fossil E managed to chip out of a big old rock. Yes, he did actually bring a backpack full of paleontologist tools. We trekked down a big hill to get here with my basket of veggies in tow.

The root veggies were plentiful. Lots of organic and naturally grown choices. It was a good work out to lug the basket full of local goods, and of course I fell in love ...

with this felted shoulder bag. It was the perfect way to squeeze more in, for a total pack mule experience up and down the hill and for a long walk. A couple of bakery items, a pound of coffee and the t-shirt that was making me too hot fit well. The eventual empty water container lightened the load too.

As I write, I am snacking on sweet carrots, radishes, yellow pepper, honeycrisp apples and finally a rhubarb bar. The guys are taking turns wrangling leaves around the front yard with the leaf blower! ... and I'm thinking of fall soup for supper ... better get outside and make some vitamin D.

Going Green!

2010-06-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

Lackluster garden radishes? Eat them and save the greens. This morning's green drink was pretty tasty.

Juice the following organic ingredients.

2 - big handfulls of washed radish greens

1 - small granny smith apple

2 - carrots

Bemidji Quacks

2010-05-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

The farm supply store had baby chickens, ducks and turkeys that were ordered ahead of time and awaiting pick up. Eli stuck the lens right inside of this box. Baby ducks.

Bemidji "Birthdays" Road Trip #3

2010-05-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

This year we spent some time in downtown.

The Writer Revives

2010-04-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

He was Django the 90-pound purebred German Shepherd. My Auntie adopted him and he was the perfect fit in her household. Everyone loved Django. He was big in a small house, but never in the way. He looked out the front window with his large ears pointing up and a longing in his eyes when Auntie K would leave for an errand - and the other dog, Teddy, a little white poodle was also feeling safe and loved by Django.

When I heard his name, I thought, "Django has been here before." I was right. Auntie did have a Django another time, long ago. K's new Django was not named this at first ... but one day early on, she called him "Django" and it stuck. It felt right. Those times when things feel right, we know.

Django is suddenly gone. He had to leave this world and I know he is missed. Again, I ask myself why these things happen to wonderful people, to wonderful pets. The logical brain and faith can possibly explain it, but the heart still suffers. I feel K's hurt too, at a great distance. I haven't had a dog myself, but I am grateful that I've learned so much through K's love and loss experiences with her dog family.

... It feels right to write again too. It's a time when I know ... I am back. Django's death inspired me to write and that is a beautiful thing. The ying and yang, the negative and the positive, the energy given and the energy taken. Thank you Django for all the gifts you've brought.

Basil Infused Olive Oil

2010-04-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

... makes any salad wonderful. Your favorite salad veggies, a dash of balsamic vinegar, a shake of salt, a squirt of lime, plus a good swirl of basil infused olive oil. I'm so looking forward to fresh herbs and out-of-the-garden lettuce this summer. (Go local! Go Organic!)

Jasper Johns is New to Me

2010-04-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

... and I fell in love with this one. Always attracted to creamy white and dusty black and the feeling of charcoal in the finger as written on paper. Extreme typography fan. (Marian Bantjes).

Foot in the Door 4 ...

2010-04-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Name that Struck.

Love This Store

2010-04-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

Fantastic boutique in Wayzata, MN.

Healing

2010-04-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Mint & Green Tea in a.m.

Bedroom Update Wanted

2010-01-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

My imagination is well fed and I'm on to redesigning the bedroom - [need red Eames rocking chair]. I am thinking about this all the time. Over the last two years my whole color palette has changed or have I finally just realized that it's always been here? I crave soft calming environments with bursts of amazing colors. These vibrant splashes are visual connections to the things that I love ... they can be changed, moved around, rotated, or seasonal - much like a museum exhibit, the walls and floor stay the same, but the displays change to suit a mood, object or designer's binge. So, I'm living in a museum? (Yes, new paint included!)

No More Living with Pee Yellow

2010-01-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Banish any painful colors in 2010! Five years ago I chose a paint that held promises of a rich yellow butter color. Alas, the room never inspired me and was left in a state of my distaste despite efforts to convince myself otherwise.

Ah, neutral living.

Young Photographer?

2010-01-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

E, (my 6-year old son) took this shot last week at Mill City Cafe. Wow!

Packing it Up

2010-01-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

... 2 day.

Reminder4self

2009-12-28T17:52:00.000-08:00

More art. More writing. More cooking. More organizing. More inspiration. More parenting. More. I need more. Want more. Will have more. Eat more. Dream more. Sleep more. More inspired. More SAS.

A Room With A View

2009-12-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

"Green" Holly

2009-12-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Gobbled Up Soup

2009-12-06T20:03:00.000-08:00

My lovely turkey noodle soup from our Thanksgiving turkey. I wish I had some left right now. It's a little late for eating tonight and I'm still hungry after snacking at a Christmas party, but not really eating dinner.

This year's turkey from Gale Wood's farm. I'm so glad we got to finally try one. A waiting list! Grand carrots from Turnip Rock CSA. Secret ingredients include big wide flat egg noodles, cilantro and garlic - and of course a healthy, kindly raised turkey.

My Thanksgiving List

2009-11-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

My friend Karen at Inspirasana made me realize that there is a lot of peace in making a list. Writing down what you know, even though you might not have done it feels empowering right now. Love this idea. I'm going to do it for Christmas too.

1. Thanksgiving grocery list - Written/Shopper Identified
2. Organic pumpkin puree - Made
3. 4 pie crusts waiting to be baked Weds night - Done
4. Turkey pick-up at the farm - Planned
5. House to clean - Make a List of Specifics
6. Thaw duck
7. Purchase fresh coffee beans at Caribou? Dunn Bros?
8. Make apple & pumpkin pies Weds night
9. Send Birthday stuff
10. Call guests with an arrival time!

360 Degrees of Awe

2009-11-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

The energy of the ages greeted me after about 10 minutes at The Louvre and the Masterpiece exhibits at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. I was there with the artists who created these works; who studied at Versailles and lived in Paris.

Being. Connecting. Not reading it all. Not trying to remember it. Not worrying if I missed something. The objects' stories penetrated into the now and there was no reason for me to be linear about the experience.

Highlights for me, a long time passion for Jan Vermeer's work was met face-to-face, a George de la Tour painting, unsigned limestone carvings of Christ's head, pencil drawings from an Italian who worked at the Musee Louvre -- and dare I say the extremely well done gift shop that's set up at the exit. Ah, I forgot to mention Ingres! Yes, Ingres too.

Thinking back on yesterday is almost as exciting as being there. I want to go back. When? It was a thrill to have our 6-year old son along. While he might have rather been catching frogs, he too shared in the excitement of being there. He got it.

The Musee Louvre itself has a story of its own, worth learning. Palace to museum - students to artists - curators and visitors.

I saw the Musee Lourve from a distance one time. Why I didn't cross the street to go in .... ? Was I out of money? Was I afraid? No interest? I don't remember. Perhaps I simply wasn't ready to take it on. Yes, that's it. I was not ready ... and I'm no longer waiting in line.

Inspirations de la Semaine

2009-11-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

1. Drawing with E & J in the a.m. (they draw, I blog and drink coffee)

2. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Louvre Exhibits (I'm going today!)

3. Lucia's stone house in Breton (check out the photos)

4. Frank Gehry's teapot

5. Living the Dream Farm (the story behind the farm)

6. Coffee. The flavor, not the buzz.

7. Making a necklace. Turning the idea in my head.

8. Dr. Oz video clip on belly fat and sugar.

9. My friend Karen who is a writer!! (YAY!!)

10.Turnip Rock CSA, my extended season share!

What's She Up To?

2009-11-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

My Kitchen Window

2009-11-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

Simple. Useful. Beautiful.

Gerber Daisies. Veggie Brush. Handmade Soap.

30-Pound Pumpkin

2009-10-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

happy halloween!

Brainscaping

2009-10-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

Long morning commute? No problem. Sit back and listen. Drink coffee. Pay attention to the road ... I am so digging this learning thing, this brain exercise, these new ideas that I can bring anywhere. Brain podcasts. Turn 'em on. Turn 'em off. They're mixing with everything else I know and making sense. Am I??

Free up some neuron space and listen up! The Brain Science Podcast series awaits. A menu 3-years long offers up tempting topics. My favorite episode to date, an interview with Dr. John Ratey, explores how exercise makes our brains younger, better and healthier. Makes sense, doesn't it? That mind body connection we hear so much about isn't just a psychological, metaphysical or a Deepak-thing. It's a physiological reality. Cardio ain't for hearts alone.

My first neuro-fixation started with this read ... it's my-all-time number-one parenting book, you know the manual that should've come with the baby? The Science of Parenting baby steps you through the different stages of brain development from newborn through teen years. No doubt, this is an amazing gift that will transfer from parent to child and spark more insight than you can kindle on your own. I often remind myself that a child is NOT a small adult. Learn about yelling and how it creates bad brain paths. Discover how love grows beautifully grooved brains.

For all you left or right brainers, this talk given by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is another fascinating parade through the brain. More than that, it's her own story. As a stroke survivor who returned to her own neurology practice, Dr. Jill details her personal observations about left and right functions. She will inspire you to live differently.

Lastly, for you creative types, Daniel Pink's book, A Whole New Mind gives golden trophy credence to the world of design and why we visual communicator types (me, me, me) are rocking the universe -- at least in our own minds!

My brain is bursting with interesting discussions that are just waiting to happen -- so let's talk soon.

How Does Your Day Sound?

2009-10-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

Listening to my son play
on a Friday night, alone,
in our family room, is amazing.

What is he doing? Playing doctor. What is he saying? Someone needs help. What does he imagine? His voice is alive. Like me, he is delighted to be in his own space, with his own toys.

As I listen, I'm aware that hearing his play fills me with smiles. My day is full of different sounds, the keyboard of a fast typist, the important VIP loudly rushing by on her cell phone, laughter from across the room, the wind against my car, the hum of lunchtime in the cafeteria.

One of my favorite parts of the morning is driving E to school. What he says, what he asks, what he wants to talk about and the songs he asks me to play ("Please don't sing Mom"). The silence when he leaves is my alone time.

What pleases your ear? Are sounds impacting your day in the best way possible? What sounds do you need more of? Now that I am aware, I'm going to see what I can do to bring more positive sound into my days away from home.

Got Pie?

2009-09-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

This was the best! I have plans to make another this weekend. So, my son, who doesn't really care about desserts suddenly came to love this apple pie. He had two pieces and asked if I would make it for Thanksgiving (my answer of course, yes!) Here's my favorite crust recipe too. No shortening! I use a Betty Crocker filling recipe with lots of extra cinnamon, freshly ground nutmeg & local honeycrisp apples.

Back for More

2009-09-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Always a treat to visit Minnetonka Orchards. The corn maze is great fun. The honeycrisps await. Tonight we'll just eat pie for dinner.

Creature Feature

2009-09-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

My favorite insect has always been a wooly bear caterpillar. Other than that, I've spent most of my life shunning and shooing BUGS. Thanks to my favorite little red-headed critter, I'm changing my ways. My son spends much of his time catching critters and storing them kindly in jars with holes poked in the top, grass, twigs and other bits of nature. This is an intriguing catch, from along the Mississippi river in Minneapolis. I have to admit that an incredible series from the BBC, Life in the Undergrowth has enormously helped me to appreciate insects, even the -pedes. Of course, I did already like them to a certain extent, and that means an 'outdoor' extent, for one cannot have good soil for growing anything, without the help of microorganisms. So, if something is bugging you, think again. It's time to turn over a new leaf, even if there is a big grasshopper sitting on it.

Mill City Farmer's Market & Oktoberfest 2009

2009-09-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Summer Reunion

2009-09-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

This summer's best reunion was definitely with ice cream from my past. Sebastian Joe's on Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, churns the best chocolate amaretto ice cream ever, and I'm pretty sure they must have invented it. Tongue met velvety richness some 15 years when I was but a very cool college grad living in the area. Today, at $5 plus change for a double waffle cone and traffic jam's drive away, the visit to Sebastion Joe's is still worth it. There simply is no match for this ice cream experience -- and need I say, I'm sort of a self-appointed-expert on the matter? Eight years in-between scoops? Not again. Flavors change daily, so call ahead.

photo by SAS, Park Rapids, MN

Oktober Calling

2009-09-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend is Oktoberfest at Mill City Museum. My posting from last year was a favorite! I just cannot wait to see, taste and hear what's going on this year. Polka anyone?

(photo taken in Park Rapids, MN -

where my husband devoured authentic German smoked pork chops and kraut for lunch!)

Hopping too Fast?

2009-09-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Bath time before bed,

the tub that always could be cleaner,

picking up the wet toys.

Hanging a soggy towel, rinsing a sandy tub,

finding pjs and brushing teeth.

Story time? A snuggle.

What we do to get ready for the next day,
the next moment, the next time.

Those rituals that connect the spaces of our day
are precious and ever changing.

Heavy Stuff

2009-09-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Late summer's rainy weather brought branch-bending juicy raspberries. I'm hoping for a batch of jam.

Lodge Sweet Lodge

2009-09-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

The historic Douglas Lodge at Itasca State Park served us many fine meals and offered many wonderful views last week. I'm missing the park today. It's feeling like the official end of summer with school starting tomorrow. We didn't stay here, but were nearby in a cozy private cabin. There is so much to do at Itasca State Park and end of the season was the perfect time to visit.

Sweet Onions Sweet Husband

2009-09-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

This post is for my husband who planted a large portion of the garden with onions. I was outraged. This conflicted with my gardening plan. "Hello! How could you have done this?" I could never rip a growing plant out of the ground just to prove my point either. Stuck with onions all over! Along the way, I realized there was plenty of room and I slowly grew happy to have these sweet little onions. So honey, I'm sorry! Feel free to plant your onions again next year without talking to me about it. Easy to weed, fun to dig, these onions are quite the gig.

Sassy Hot Radishes

2009-09-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Misato Solo was a kind and peaceful look at radishes that didn't happen. Now, I'm simply showing off these big hot beauties! AND, I think these are what Misato Rose radishes are really supposed to look like (by the way, I'm admitting that I might be wrong here). This bumper crop took off last week. What a surprise to see these hiding in he tomatoes and onions. Move over chili peppers ... I've got THE new hot!

Gaining Twenty Five Pounds

2009-09-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

I haven't talked too much about my garden this summer, although last year, it was a hot topic! I'm still insanely interested in growing and preserving our own food. We've expanded the garden into a sunnier area for next year. Yes, that's for next year. Now to order some good black dirt to fill up our extension. Sun has been an issue in our garden. It seems there's just not enough of it when all of the tall trees are in the way -- so the new addition will solve this. Today, I'll be canning tomatoes. This mighty bowl weighed in at, you guessed it, 25 pounds.

Backyard Artist

2009-09-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

Wearable Weisman

2009-09-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty open about my love affair with the Weisman Art Museum, University of MN. My dreams are not only about curating the exhibits and living in the building, but also about what I should buy at the gift shop! It's like trying to pick the best chocolate from a box of many. A couple of weeks ago, I spotted this in the case. What?!?! Apparently this mini-Weisman brooch and earrings had been made for the Weisman's grand opening some 15 years ago. How is it that no one scooped this up along the way? I suppose, being in art storage will do that. Upon visiting the artist's website, I was immediately drawn to Chrysanthemum and some of her other work. Ms. Kinghorn looks to be as incredible as the Weisman's beautiful views of Minneapolis.

Frog, Forest, Flippers, Fish & Feet

2009-09-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

Fantastically fun end of summer vacation.

Pirated Scene

2009-07-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

A visit to the Old Log Theatre for a wonderful rendition of Treasure Island. E went dressed as a pirate!

Grill Thrill

2009-07-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

CSA veggies plus steak. Zucchini, yellow squash, and orange peppers brushed with basil olive oil.

Red, White & Blue

2009-07-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

First of the season.

My Garden Babies

2009-07-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

Eating Grass in MN

2009-07-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Fascinating patterns. Stunning contrast. Big lovable ears.

Misato Solo

2009-07-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

Here is the only misato rose radish that actually made it to an edible size. The flowers are from the radish plant too. So, about fifty misato rose radish plants grew to 30" tall in my garden -- which is pretty gigantic as far as radishes go. The stems were unbreakably thick with large dark leaves, flowers asprouting. The radish bulbs were very small, in fact, smaller than my pinky finger. I bet the spurts of cool weather mixed with hot weather caused the plants to shoot, and the roots to barely take hold. Extreme weather leads to extreme plants? Oh well! This sole radish was worth the experience and definitely a triumphant beauty!!!

A radishy side note:

(Most of the web sites that are showing a misato rose radish appear to be incorrect! Mine is white on outside, red layer inside, white again, with red center -- and they were from Seeds of Change.)

Dino Love

2009-06-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

It's not the first time we've decorated our toy animals here, but it's definitely a first to have made dinosaur armor. We opened the art supply drawer, dug through the recycle bin, and let it fly. We became lost in time, much like the book Dinotopia, which continued to inspire some of our fun. E paged through it for ideas and was intrigued by an illustration showing a metal wrapped dinosaur scale. Foil with felt hot glued to the back works great for armor base material and "wrapping". Dinotopia is incredibly imaginative! It's one of the reasons we need books like this (inspiring books = words+illustrations+ideas). This project launched into others -- still out on the table. Still FLYIN'!

Dazzle Me Green

2009-06-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

Preston, Minnesota roadside vistas, green grass and peaceful animals. These are a few of my favorite things. The contrast between the green grass and the natural glossy color of each animal gets me every time and makes me want to sing, jump, paint, live outside .. and the list goes on.

As I write this a.m., my yard and garden is the same green. No grazing animals though. It's rained for much of the night. After I click the "publish post" button here, I'm heading out to my green garden with lots of green weeds, green food and more green, because I simply have to be standing in the green.

It's all green to me. Earlier this week, which I'm now wondering "why was I thinking that" ... I decided that if I had to pick a color that describes me it would be GREEN.

Hidden Treasure

2009-06-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with this place. Historic buildings. Fossils. Streams for jumping across and fishing in. Horse & walking trails. Deer watching you! No one around. Exploring. Mystery cave. (one very cool thing is that the DNR takes great measures to conserve and map out this cave -- I never realized what a gentle eco-system caves have)

Food Inc.

2009-06-19T20:27:00.001-07:00

Finally this story makes it to the movies!! The masses!! I've been shopping at the co-op for at least 15 years. I'm growing my own food these days, and I buy grass fed beef by the 1/4 or 1/2 and it's my fourth year with a CSA. To say that people don't know what they are eating is an understatement. I always feel like I can do more, change more, be healthier and learn more. It's exciting to live this way.

Grocery stores are a wonderful thing, but make sure you know what you are buying. Eating the wrong foods is killing us - literally! I was completely disgusted when my local Lund's, a very high-end grocery store near my home, sold 80% beef that was from outside of the USA for the rock-bottom price of $1.99/lb. What's going on with that? Lately, when I shop there I have a hard time finding anything that is worth the cost per pound. I have to drive to a local co-op to find meat that is naturally or organically raised and affordable. To their credit, Lunds does have a decent selection of organic fruits, veggies and dry goods.

Weigh the cost of a pound of veggies against a pound of meat. Compare the nutritional value per ounce and the amount of land it took to grow what you're eating, and I bet you'll see that veggies are the way to go. I'm not vegetarian, but I'm committed to eating the right meat and the right vegetables. I definitely want to support my local economy when I can.

NYT review on Food Inc. here

(photo taken in Preston, MN by SAS)

First Harvest

2009-06-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Icicle Radishes. Lately I find that radishes are almost medicinal. They stop hunger and create an even mood. They leave me wanting the right things to eat. This year, I have three varieties in the garden.

... and so the story goes

2009-06-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Joyful Music

2009-05-15T21:22:00.001-07:00

Ayo. (photo courtesy of www.bananarepublic.com)

Free to Live

2009-05-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

Experience ... Your highest potential. Your highest happiness. Your best connection to inspiration. Your flight home.

"Anaconda"

2009-05-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Our 2nd Annual Mother's Day Run. This season's first.

(photo courtesy of wenona.com)

Replay Today

2009-05-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

It was a comlplete joy to have the time to cook for my own family today and to eat my own food. Here is my favorite waffle recipe. (Substitute buttermilk if you wish for tender heavier waffles, and also add a tablespoon of vanilla).

One Hour

2009-05-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

Setting up the chairs.

A 5 x 5 canvas. A cup of coffee.

The birds are singing loudly.

Finding a bear costume.

Choosing a photo reference.

My garage.

A husband painting beside me.

Getting juice. The movie's over.

A kid wrapped in a blanket watching us.

One hour later.

I think I've got it.

Thinking of You Really is Sunshine

2009-05-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

My adorable friend. I am missing you. I am grateful for all the good energy you mustered and sent over here. We hug you all the time and will continue to.

Song for Fritz (click)

Lanesboro Line-up

2009-04-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

42

2009-04-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's Up to You

2009-04-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

Spring Cookies

2009-04-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Easter Dinner on the Farm

2009-04-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

Contemplating Eggs

2009-04-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

A shell protects the growing creature inside. It's a portable womb with a little help from a warm body that buries or tenders it. The white and yolk of an egg bounce lightly in the shell and echo the movement of the human who's carrying it. The colors. The creatures that lay them. The people that love them.

Happy Blogiversary SAS!

2009-04-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

The things I can do when I decide how I want to feel are amazing to me. Using this blog to collect all my passions has been one of the best things I've ever done for myself.

Gone Painting

2009-03-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Grateful Living

2009-03-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

I'm heading home this morning on a cold wet road that wraps around the lake and ends up at my favorite bakery. The vast frozen white lake is gripping. I imagine the energy it takes to freeze these vast waters. Her surrounding black velvet trees are softly outlined against the very gray spring sky; the branches, tender and cosmically arranged. I notice that I am filled with high emotions on so many topics.

Everything touches my heart and arrives as a peaceful knowing. I feel my connection to God, the earth and to all my loved ones. At this moment, and for moments after, I know the things that happen to me are not by chance. So many rich feelings are caravan-ing to me at once that they bump and collide into this current wave ... for which we humans use the word "grateful" to describe.

At home.

1. I am so grateful that it is Spring! (the first day)

2. I am so grateful that I am home today, sipping coffee at my computer with no obligations.

3. I am so grateful that E and I get to go on a real Spring Break trip! Wow! I never thought we'd be the "Spring Break" family ... maybe I too can now write a Christmas letter (kidding).

4. I am grateful for my want of little but my appreciation and adoration of so much, from food to clothing, jewelry and furniture, art and people.

5. I am grateful for my cute little house, full of things and people that I love.

6. I am grateful for a happy child who is perfect the way he is.

7. I am grateful for the "supporters" in my life. Those people who knowingly and unknowingly give me inspiration along the way.

8. I am grateful for the changes I have made in my ways of eating and the new energy I have found in that experience.

9. I am grateful for the constant stream of blessings that come to me.

10. I am grateful for me!!!

11. P.S. While writing this I had to stop and take a call about a new job -- no kidding. Completely unexpected - but "not by chance".

Bragging Rights?

2009-03-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

Ever craved sugar? A big piece of chocolate cake, a cold glass of lemonade or a big bowl of mocha ice-cream? One glass of Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water will erase any of these fantasies quickly. I stumbled across this elixir when a friend handed me a partial bottle to use as a mixer. I'm not sure that I would substitute a Bragg's & water for a fruit juice spritzer on a hot summer day, but it's certainly more than palatable .. and the benefits are outstanding. The whole thing sort of just happened ... it came to me ... I wasn't looking for a sugar cure ... well, maybe I had hoped, but I didn't expect to find it in a bottle of vinegar.

Weekend Dining

2009-03-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

Pizza Nea is completely fresh and features only limited ingredients. No American toppings like hamburger, fajita chicken or canned mushrooms are found here. The salads are as good as the pizza and need I say ..??... forget about anything like ranch dressing.**The artwork on the walls is worth the visit alone.**

2x Daily Orally

2009-03-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

My diagnosis -- madly in love with guacamole this weekend. Must have. Goes great with taxes or in place of dinner.

Self-Medicating Guacamole

1 organic ripe avocado

1/2 large juicy organic lemon squeezed

over the avocado

1 healthy sprinkle of cumin

1 large minced organic garlic clove

1 shake of salt (ocean salt pref)

Scoop out the tender avocado into a glass bowl. Squeeze lemon, splat. Sprinkle cumin & shake shake shake it -- the salt, that is. Add your pressed garlic*. Squeeze, 2, 3, 4. Take your pastry blender and hand mash and rock it to your desired consistency. I like mine a little chunky. Serve with crispy veggies or your choice of tortilla chips. (!!CHIPS!!)

Serves 2 reasonable portions or one big one. * I highly recommend owning a garlic press.

One More Egg

2009-03-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

E with Auntie Amy.

Sheez Talkin' Bout Herself

2009-03-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

I took this posting on as a challenge from Laura over at Muselan because she **always** has good ideas that help me! (Yep, always) The answers may be spontaneous tonight, as I write them, but have certainly evolved over the last week.

1. I love my natural color hair color, but it's been fun to experiment with some highlights!

2. I love my very good taste and FUN in all things that require a composition of; words, colors, belongings, ingredients, textures, words and images working together or diplomacy.

3. I love that I am normally operating on my own wavelength.

4. I love that I appreciate small accomplishments.

5. I love that I enjoy being outside, esp on farms!

6. I love that I will own my own calf (bovine) some day.

7. I love that I am totally opinionated in my own good damn way.

8. I love new friends!

9. I love that I love wheat and chocolate and love loving to use these ingredients when I deem that there is no sense wasting a craving on something that is not absolutely the best.

10. I love that I eat bad food at times, but can forgive myself and move on.

11. OMGosh ... I love that I cannot stop writing what I love, but I'm going to stop...!!!

12. I love that I can make others laugh by just being me or saying what is there.

13. I love that I can be the philosopher Queen at any moment and with great intensity!

Stop me please!!!

P.S. I love talking about myself!

Chocolate Love

2009-03-03T17:24:00.000-08:00

One bite at a time. One square at a time. One moment at a time. One day at a time. My favorite for years. Available locally at any co-op, Byerly's or Lunds.

Gracing the Neck

2009-03-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

Sitting with Grete

2009-02-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

A bouquet of teak oil looms large in this old warehouse full of restored Danish furniture classics. All the on-line browsing can't quite compare to a sit in a Jalk chair or a hand swipe across its teak arms.

New Love

2009-02-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

Completely rich and tender. Soulfully satisfying within three squares of consumption. Delicate and smooth Belgian milk chocolate with heavy lavender undertones.

photo courtesy of www.newtree.com

Lovingly Puzzled

2009-02-18T12:08:00.001-08:00

Genius valentine art by KT.

Brownies Lavendula

2009-02-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Responsible Hair

2009-02-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

Ever think about the buckets of water you use every day? How about the amount needed to wash your hair? Try this. Wash your hair in the bath tub, but stop the drain and save the water. OR, simply use the shower, stop the drain and wash only your hair. How much water did you use? Would you give up washing your hair daily to save some water? What if we all tried this? How would saving water impact the planet?

I wash my hair almost daily because I think I need to look "nice". Water is not unlimited. Water is not a renewable resource. What if corporate America supported the idea of bedheads at work? What if we imported clean water to those who didn't have any? What if your friend pointed at your hair and called you a grease ball? I am seriously considering washing my hair less. In fact, if I grew it out a bit longer, it could be easier to avoid the wash.

Loving Collage

2009-02-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

Creating this card inspired the start to a short story.

Playing Outside Today!

2009-01-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

Ice Instruments

2009-01-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

You'd think in our cold winter climate someone would have done this before. This is the first time I've heard of it -- ice instruments, that is music made with ice. Hockey, broomball, ice skating, snowmen, snow angels, igloos, the St.Paul Winter Carnival complete with ice castles and ice sculptures, but ice instruments?! The Norwegian musician, Terje Isunget, who carves his own instruments out of glacial ice got us thinking. We're off to a good start here. Thanks for your inspiration, Terje.

I Rule.

2009-01-07T20:22:00.001-08:00

Photo is from Daniel Pink's website.

Dream House 2009

2009-01-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

This gingerbread house would have been fun to have around for Christmas, but we sure enjoy having it here now. Perhaps I am enjoying it the most, since E has been sick in bed with the stomach flu all day. This kit, provided, by Grandma (thank you) was so fun to put together and is the first gingerbread house I've made, ever. Why did I wait so long? Not sure. But, it's on the list now and I won't miss it again. Even making it from a kit was satisfying and fun, usually I am a purest. Everything needs to be from scratch with the finest ingredients. By lowering my standards, I increased my fun. I had fun instead of perfection ... a lesson learned? Next year I do hope we can make one and have some gingerbread left over to eat with frosting that tastes really good though. A girl can dream and a girl should be able to eat her house.

My love for the story Hansel and Grethel by the Brothers Grimm has been stirred up too. I remember listening to my mother read the story and so badly wanting to taste the piece of house that Hansel broke off. In fact, I'm now wanting to read all those Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales that I loved so much.

What do you want to taste? And what do you need to try? I won't wait another 40 years to build my next gingerbread house or to read a favorite story again.

Sick

2008-12-29T12:31:00.001-08:00

I don't really know anything about Wesley Kilmer and his work, but when I bumped into his painting at the Weisman last weekend, I stopped dead in my tracks. Normally this large canvas would not be something of interest. However, I've been really sick lately, that is sick, for me. I have had this bad cold and respiratory cough sinus thing going on and I have felt alive, but not living, connected or caring about much. I've stayed indoors. It's been hard to think and difficult to hear. Sleep came easy, but with strange dreams. I became deeply angered during this time too, which is not status quo for me. Something snapped when Christmas plans changed due to a cancelled visit with my nephew (!!no fault of his!!).

This painting honestly captured how I'd been feeling. I'd never considered a work of art in this manner. I know there is a need for art therapy in the world today, and psychologists, in search of insight, continue to riddle their subjects with ink blots. The fact that I could link this Kilmer to a self-portrait is admittedly disturbing, but was somewhat comforting too. Is this really how I am feeling? No wonder I'm a mess! Anyway, it served as some inspiration to take a deeper look into healing, because I don't want to look like this any more. I was hoping the artist wasn't really feeling like me, either. Oranges, grapefruit, water, tea, vegetable soup, rest and mental relaxation have helped .. and a good dose of Brothers & Sisters too. Art heals (and so does writing!), even if you don't want to see what you really look like.

A View from the Weisman: Minneapolis

2008-12-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

Our House Christmas Day

2008-12-25T18:15:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T18:12:00.001-08:00

Horns of Plenty

2008-12-17T20:45:00.000-08:00

The ox transformation.

Bright Spot on A Snowy Day

2008-12-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

the Best Gifts are Unexpected

2008-12-13T21:17:00.001-08:00

Thank you Toby!

Living with Inspiration

2008-12-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday Art & Eats

2008-12-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

I consider food an art form. So, eating and art go hand and hand. After a great start at one of Minneapolis's finest old burger joints we headed to the city's oldest museum. The Bell Museum of Natural History, University of MN, is housed in an historic edifice. The place collected bird specimens in the 1870s for research. By 1915 "The Bell" opened with some of the world's richest dioramas. These dioramas must have been extremely exciting for all the visitors, especially the children. I got on my knees and peered into the 20-foot wide sandhill crane diorama from a child's perspective. A wide blue sky with clouds seemed higher and wider than before and the cranes were scraping by my face while landing.

In 1915 there was nothing close to the visual art form of a diorama, save a circus coming through town with "live" animals. Artist Francis Lee Jaques' work sends me into a stirring state of admiration for his talent and his creations with every visit. Jaques, who not only worked here, in Minneapolis, but all across the US, painted over 50 dioramas in his lifetime. He studied the movement of his subjects in their natural surroundings for each work. Outdoors. Alive.

Dioramas became the standard in natural history museums and visitor centers for decades. The murals, let alone the dioramas are a high-art form often forgotten because they are the backdrop for the taxidermy. The animals can become the focus, instead of the paintings which create the feeling of a beaver dam, a flood plain or mountain side. Contemporaries Bruce Hornsfall and Charles Corwin, also painted at "The Bell" and their work, while different than Jaques', is completely stunning. For me, the perspective Jaques creates on a flat surface sends me to places I want to see and fills me with inspiration for days ahead. Maybe that is why Jaques' work is so timelessly thrilling and remains tremendously alive after 100 years of living indoors.