Change

Jake

You know what I used to be so embarrassed about but at the same time adored was my Grandma's need to talk to strangers when we went anywhere.  She might make a comment on a piece of apparel or just ask them how their day was doing.  She could and did, talk to anyone.

The older I get the more I realize how similar I am to her in many ways, the talking to strangers is one of those similarities.  Last night Gaz and I went out to the Everett Library.  Firstly, this is an incredible building - all craftsman style with a touch of modern, and the most sensational view to Port Gardner.  They also have a terrific little coffee shop in front Bookend Coffee Company.  They had 50c off chai lattes.... https://www.facebook.com/#!/BookendCoffeeCompany  If you are in the hood or even want to drive I'll meet you there (this invite is ESPECIALLY for Alex, Verna, Riley, Callum, Les, Lauri and Shona, though I know its a long drive.  If you arrive on Wednesdays we can look for the coffee cat together (to get a 25% discount) AND get a con panna espresso to die for.

If we are really lucky Jake will be there - he is a divine gentleman I met there last evening (I know, FINALLY I am circling back to talking to strangers... Jake was wearing very appealing apparel so, like Nan I had to tap him on the shoulder and tell him how much I admired his rainbow emblazoned top.  He was so sweet and even invited Gaz and I to an upcoming fundraiser for Snohomo.  How could we resist Jake, and his invitation to Bingo called by Ethel Merman impersonator?

I love goats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSzy0QoWX2g

Autumn

As you know, dear reader, I am a fall/winter addict.

Yes, yes.  Those of you in the Washington area will be all up in my grille insisting I stop such blasphemous talk.  Basically the last two summer have been a complete wash save a few days.  Which I am happy as a clam about.  But still...I yearn, for the fall, for the crunch of leaves, for the chill of winter.  And so, as I have been dreaming, I also have been thinking...about winter stews, about generally cooking and hibernating and I cannot wait.  And thus began the search for winter "stick to your ribs" recipes.  Just check this out.  (of course I wanted to pot a scrumptious looking food photo with it, but wouldn't you know it, this was posted with RAW CHICKEN BREASTS.  Come-on dudes at http://www.grit.com/food/recipes/chicken-stew-recipe-zkcz12zsie.aspx .  I like your easy recipes, but you gotta update your photo.  I am imagining this served with some crusty bread, heavily buttered and perhaps I am wearing sexy flannel owl or cowboy print PJs.  Sigh

Southern-Style Chicken Stew Recipe

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14.5 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons water, divided
2 sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 pound cooked smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1 bunch (about 1/2 pound) collard greens, rough-chopped into 2-inch pieces
Hot sauce
In large bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons flour, salt and pepper. Add chicken and toss gently to coat.
In 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to plate.
Add remaining oil to pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until translucent and just beginning to brown.
Increase heat to high. Add chicken broth and 3/4 cup water. Scrape up any browned bits. Return chicken to pot, and add sweet potatoes and smoked sausage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Make paste with remaining flour and remaining water.
Uncover pot and whisk in paste. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through, potatoes are tender, and liquid has thickened.
Stir in collard leaves and simmer for additional 2 minutes. Serve immediately, with hot sauce on the side. Yields 4 servings.

Argghhh

At work today, its Saturday.  Im feeling very stange today - no sleep last night apart from a new minutes here and there and yesterday was spent in bed all day with a migrane.

I really wish I was with my family - they are at an Instagram meet down in Seattle.  We are all IG addicts in our family and so it should be an uber fun day.

First letter home

So we rushed home with news of a letter from our boy.... Only to find no letter. Still, maybe even better was our super secret password to get us into the base on graduation day with the date for graduation - September 14 th. I can't wait to see him and hug him. Only 50 days to go.

An address....at last

exactly one week and one day after he left, my future sailors ship and address is now available!!!

Hello friends. Happy July

What a totally exhausting month this has been. Between parties and graduation and birthdays and Elliott shipping out... I feel like I need an escape. Obviously I really want a physical holiday to somewhere wonderfully serene ... So instead I'm taking a mental escape to art. It's amazing how it lifts my spirits.

I'm not sure if you are familiar with Brave Girls Club? I'm starting the soul restoration art class in August 7th and I will be making regular posts of the associated work. If you are interested in looking at this you can access it by selecting the page up above. Course, typical me, I couldn't wait for a few weeks so I have already started the journal

I think this is the perfect title page - a reminder to myself to seek for beauty AND it's my current favorite song. I was humming it yesterday and Deanna was quite surprised when she recognized it "Hey! That's a worship song"..... It is, and not usually on the iPod playlist but I just think this is such a gorgeous song. Let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ4yNYY1hHM&NR=1&feature=fvwrel

Today

http://bravegirlsclub.com/archives/10299

BFF

My BFF is looking at houses right now and lucky for me because I have the bestest BFF in the world he is including me in the process, which I love...is there anything better than house hunting and nest making?  I think not. 

Today he found an amazeballs property - in the country...WITH its own big barn AND a silo.  Swoon....

I lived in the country once, and honestly...its me.  I cant wait for the day when Mr Big and I can move to a more rural area.  Meantime...inspection Gods willing....we may be able to live vicariously through my BFF.  Oh, I did I mention.  If this is a purchase made guess what Im allowed to have live there?



AND



AND



Awesome.  Love you Tad.  Here is what will be happening on a regular basis on your porch FYI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ6xGMSOu1E

Finally, Im back

March 29th was my last post.  Its May 2nd.  Life - oi vay!

I'm back, and I thought it poinient to begin again with an affirmation that you might like to adopt for today, or for the week or month.  Love this one:

Prosperity

I open my heart to the rich blessings of Spirit.

Today I let go of thoughts of scarcity or lack and fill my entire mind with thoughts of my rich life--the life I am blessed with right now.
I open my heart to gratefulness as I count my blessings. I think of the people in my life, the places I have lived, the adventures I have enjoyed. I remember the thoughtful gifts I've received and given, and the love I've shared with friends and family. I remember times of peace-filled relaxation, exhilarating fun and deep contentment.
My list of blessings quickly grows as more and more come to mind. My joy overflows. Thank you, God, for everything in my life. I am so blessed.

What a delight.

Also coupled with this groovy picture.  This is a picture meant to be meditated over.  When you follow the swirls of color and stare at this for a while I SWEAR, it has a calming effect plus...can you see the monks and the drum?  Awesome. 

Happy day to you friend.

Beauty of the miracle

My brothers very special to me. I love him with all my heart and I would do anything for him. He's so happy right now. He's married to a woman he loves, has one little ginger baby aged 2 and another bonnie baby boy that recently arrived. It makes my heart swell with happiness to see him looking so proud and so joy filled. Love you Alex, Verna, Riley and Wee Callum.

Welcome Spring

In this hemisphere it is the first day of spring.  As luck would have it the sun is shining, green shoots are birthing and easter is upon us.  Decos at Castle Allen are going up today god willing...  here is my dream Easterscape..

So lovely!

Welcome little one

A new member of our family arrived a few days ago.  Eagerly awaited and so loved, even before your birth..Welcome baby Callum Alexander Cameron.

Congratulations brother Alex, SIL Verna and sweet nephew Riley.  State side we are so thrilled for you all and cant wait to meet Callum in person. 

Dreamy Vertical Gardens

Isnt this dreamy?





All images © Patrick Blanc // Visit verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com

Run away

See this road?  This is my dream road.  After you drive 50 miles from a tiny, off-the-beaten-track tiny town of 10,000 or less, the entrance to the 3 mile long driveway is there.  The entrance is hard to find - many folks just drive past it thinking its part of the woods.

At the end of the driveway you have to cross a little stream

and then drive some more till you get to the house

which is actually the guest home. 

Keep driving aways and you'll find us



of course there will also be a petting zoo with mini animals,


and friends for the donkeys, mini goats



of course tea cup pigs


bantam chickens


pygmy hedgehogs, alot of these


Duh Betty and Lucy



and a new buddy or five ... and course I'd need



Oh for quiet solitude....

Sleeping porch

I've seen these before in old homes in the South. I'd like one.

These sleeping porches are a cool respite in the hot summer nights - image a chilled mint julep in hand as you listen to the frogs chirping prior to retiring to slumber in this porch. Heaven!

Sleep well!

Aussies and Camping

Two things I am typically not a fan of - Aussies, and camping.
That said - these two gems have come up with something truley fantastical that may make me love them both:



Genuis.  Me wanty.

http://absofab.com.au/2011/12/01/the-hippie-tastic-vw-camper-tent-2/

Be splendid

On my reading list is a sensational blog called "just be splendid". I recommend it for eye candy and for the beautiful wordsmiths she finds and includes in her posts. From a couple of weeks ago for YOUR reading pleasure dear one. Enjoy and let this wash over you and delight you as it did I.

“
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.”

”

Love this

While looking for baby clothes for my soon-to-be-arriving new nephew I came across some words of wisdom from my homeland:

He oranga ngākau

He pikinga waiora

 

Positive feelings in your heart will raise your sense of self-worth

 

Love that.

Love Fest

Yesterday was Valentines day. I know many people who say that they don't "buy into" the commercial nature of the day and I get that. But I have to say, though the hubs and I honor our relationship daily, I do love the energy of Valentines Day. The lovers young and old out celebrating their unions - some many years long, some in their infancy. Why not have a day like this?

We buy into it I'm glad to say. Dinner reservations were made and gifts were purchased - he did specially awesome this year and ironically we both went vintage in our approach for gifts - I found him a 1950's rockabilly workshirt and he...

The best part about this little lamb vase is that this past weekend the hubs and I wandered through antique store laden Snohomish and I said to him to look out for these little guys... Little did I know he had already purchased this one! My ultimate plan for spring time decor is to have fleets of these all over castle Allen. They are so cheery. Look at those faces! For now I have a big and lil sister. Thanks honey - you're the best!

He also found a stereoscope photo of two little lovers. I forgot to photograph this for you but it's awesome.

Gary is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I hope you all find partners like this dear reader. Daily he makes me a better person. He knows me better than anyone has ever known me and makes me feel valued and cared for like never before. He's my heaven on earth. I love you Gazza!!

For all of you I love, especially my Gary

http://vimeo.com/36705472

Weekend wonders

The weekend started really great. A bonus check, a trip to purchase our first brand new tv. I chose some great new glasses - some fabulous cats eye Betsey Johnson's black with pink sparkles (in the INSIDE), plus as luck would have it... The wonderful Mary at Costco shared with us that there was a voucher - $30 off a pair of frames .... So course I also got sunglasses. Prescription sunglasses. So a two pairs of groovy glasses for only $173. In only a few days I will have them.

Then the unthinkable. My besties fur baby Ashley passed away. I think if you have a dog in your family you will have some understanding of how much they mean to us and what a true tragedy their loss is. Ashley had gone through so much recently but her passing was unrelated to her recent trials. She was a great pup and will be missed.

Even though Tad was going through so much and had no sleep he pulled himself together as best he could and came down from Mt Vernon so we could all go out together. It was such fun, we played mini golf, raced go karts and the boys had a go in the batting cage.

And what is more comforting than fro-yo. There was nothing more to be done than to finish the afternoon with Menchies.

Sunday Gary and I had a couple of hours to ourselves. We headed to Snohomish for antique store grazing. There were a bazillion birds on wires in Snohomish

And unexpectedly, British telephone boxes, at the back of a furniture shop.

I really love Snohomish. We almost always come away with a little something from here... But I resisted this time.

The weekend finishes too quick. See you tomorrow Monday.

Day 9: Front door

Luminous, vibrant, timeless Puerto Rico. Oh how I love you. I can't wait to visit you again some day. Till then I live on the memories of old San Juan. Sigh.

Today's challenge is front door. What better place to have a front door pic than San Juan. It's a riot of color on color. And it somehow works in a crazy synergy. This is a very typical walk up apartment in old San Juan. Don't you love?

Day 8:The Sun

I forgot to post yesterday, but this was the photo from day 8 : the sun. Not so much mr sol yesterday do I was a tinch concerned I would get a picture.. But then the clouds parted and what do you know - a ménage of weather - rain clouds, wind, blue sky and sun on a winters afternoon all at once.

Cute as a button

Day 7 of the photo challenge - "button". This is a button on my favorite chair here at Castle Allen. It's huge. It sits in the corner of our room every month except over the holidays when it gives up its spot for the Christmas tree.

This chesterfield leather chair was $20 at a thrift store - and we happened across it on 50% off day so friends. Be green, green with envy when you realize this was $10. The cost of a glass of decent vino ... But years and years of comfort. I heart you big chair.

Day 5 and 6

French toast.... It's what's for breakfast AND what's for day 5 photo...

Day 6 = "dinner" and tonight thanks to Ollie's Mom, we had chicken and mushroom enchiladas made with love by the hubs.

Day Four

This is not such a great image. But it is of a stranger which IS the topic du jour

Day Two and Three

February's Project continues. Day two and three

Day Two - "Words":
The splendor - OH THE SPLENDOR!!!! There was no way to capture the majesty of this site on an iPhone. Yes - I love my iPhone - but the mount is over 200 miles from where I took this photo. Does that give you a clue as to how HUGEMUNGO this hill is?

I am fortunate, so fortunate, to work in an office with this breathtaking view daily.

Day three's task was hands.... As if you needed my help to work that out! Ha! This is B.I.L Patrick, Geneva, my Hubs, and Elliott. Love this photo.