Sweet and Spicy

"What if in your dream you went to heaven and there plucked a strange and beautiful flower? And what if, when you woke, you had the flower in your hand? Ah! What then?"

~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Picture this, please. Go ahead, close your eyes...

There I was, dripping wet hair and all, jumping, twirling and cheering like a five year-old. Yes, I was doing the happy dance, and a very happy little number I did perform.

I've always been a person of contradiction, and my garden's current bounty could not provide a more perfect example.

Today, dear friends, when I went to check on my tiny garden babies, my eyes were treated to a magnificent sight.

Strawberries and peppers..hee hee, haa haa.

Sweet and Spicy, ooh me, ooh my! (*grin)

Looking Inwardly

"Never be afraid to sit awhile and think."

~Lorraine Hansburry, A Raisin in the Sun

Did you ever watch a movie that left a lasting impression? One that really and honestly made you think?

Maybe you weren't that into the actual film and characters, but perhaps it made you reflect upon and contemplate your own life.

Last night I made a pot of ginger peach tea and settled in with the the pupparoo, hubband, my favorite blankie and watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

At the end, I cried (sniffle).

Why? It got my wheels turning.

Here are some quotes from the movie that are still wondering around in my mind.

"For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."

"Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss."

Puppy Nap

"For me a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog."
~Roger Caras

Once upon a time, there was a pretty ball of vanilla yarn and a little furry puppy.


You see, this little puppy was the greatest, and like her mama, she adored snugly, cuddly thingies.

And, just like her mama, anything that appeared snugly and cuddly had an intoxicating effect on her. Her cuddle instinct would kick in and she would get very, very sleepy.

"Is this ever soft," she thought to herself, as she gently stroked the yarn with her paw.

"Humm...yes...I'll curl up here. I'll nap on this ultra-soft scarf my mama is making. I'll be careful. She won't mind."

And with that, the little puppy closed her tired brown eyes and drifted off to dreamland.

Note: She was right. Her mama didn't mind one bit. In fact, she actually thought it was pretty darn cute. Golly-gee, her mama sure does love her.

Flowers for Friday

"Flowers are happy things."

~P.G. Wodehouse

I've been working away on my office. So, far I've let you see bits and pieces of my little haven, and I decided that today I'd bring some flowers indoors, providing you with a tad more food for thought.

I came across this little vase last week. I so enjoy finds like this; unique, simple, a tad eclectic. Not to mention, I'm a bit hooked on poppy orange. It completely clashes with my scheme, but I like that. When things are too coordinated, I jet jittery.

Oh yea, if you remember the day I repainted that old oak jewelry armoire, you'll notice the vase now sits upon it.

So, get yourself some flowers, give some to the one you love, or just go walk through a garden. We all deserve flowers. We made it to Friday.

The Art of Conversation- Meet Miss Ringy

If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me.

~Song title by Jimmy Buffet

Did you ever stop and ponder the art of a good conversation?

In thinking about the term conversation, I began to realize how modern technology has changed the definition of what it means to communicate. I'm saddened by the people who are slaves to their cell phones, or who have gone as far as to attach a mobile telephone to their belt. I won't even begin my rant on Bluetooth headsets, but honestly--Does anyone really think it's a good idea to have a signal constantly beamed into the side of one's brain?

Personally, I find cell phones an annoyance that I could do without. I know, I know, cell-phones are great for emergencies (roll eyes here). Yet, I can't think of too many individuals I know of who don't have the top-notch plan, complete with unlimited texting, Internet capabilities, and gasp--a camera! According to my sketchy calculations, the average person must have well over 400 minutes of emergencies a month. May I suggest a class in crisis management?

Ahh, but the telephone, the plain, stationary telephone, complete with a curly cord. Remember those days? They were something, weren't they?

Do you remember how people would put aside their dish washing, lay down their irons, and step away from their cooking when a call came in? Telephone conversation was purposeful then. One may even go as far as to say it was meaningful.

The other day, while rummaging through a nifty little antique store, I stumbled across this rickety old treasure. Isn't she sweet? I can almost see her, perched atop a handcrafted telephone stand, aside a notepad and address book. I wonder about the conversations she transmitted and the people she dialed. I very much hope her stories are happy and full of love.

I feel compelled to report that Miss Ringy has made a wonderful transition to her new home. After an hour or so of gentle bathing, and the removal of a few inches of dust, dirt, grime and goop, she looks marvelous, and rumor has it, she's been calling everyone to tell them she's back in business. (*wink)

Hello Little Darling, It's Nice to Meet You

"There is a very fine line between a hobby and a mental illness."

~Dave Berry

Finally, after gallons of water, mucho love and affection, and warm, sunny skies, my little clematis bloomed. I know, it's not really anything major, but it truly excites me. I enjoy the little things.

Plus, since this year is my first attempt at anything of significance in the gardening realm, I'm trying to record all events. ....so, pardon me for being abnormally obsessed.... (sigh)

Peonies and Sun Tea

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

~Socrates

I've been stalking my neighbor's garden. For days I've been eyeing up these pretty peonies and today I decided they must be photographed. The color of magenta really dazzles in the morning summer sun.

Also, I jetted home from church, noting the sun was already out and that they temperature was climbing. "Perfect," I thought. "I'll have to make some sun tea!"

Carefully, I trimmed the newest growth on my mint plants and stuffed them into this nifty jar. Now, it really doesn't get much easier than this.

How's this for an easy summertime recipe? Trim mint, stuff in jar, sit in sun. I'm likin' it!

Enjoy the sunshine....cheers!

Are Books Your Cup of Tea?

"There are a few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."

~Henry James

Confession: Take a perfectly good afternoon (evening, morning, or combine them all), mix in a great mystery, stir in some Darjeeling leaves, and waa-laa it's a recipe for pure bliss.

Lately, I've found myself totally engrossed in books on the topic of tea. I wonder why? Could it be my ridiculous obsession with Teavana? Or, is it my ongoing love affair with literature? Perhaps a combination? humm...I'll ponder that...

If, as a child, you adored Miss Nancy Drew and her sidekick, Bess, half as much as I did, than I'm quite certain you'll find sincere enjoyment in The Tea Shop Mysteries, a series of books by Laura Childs.

So far, I've been unable to stop myself. I imagine my new infatuation is akin to the 'high' drug addicts experience after taking that first hit of a potent substance.

I've already made best friends with the characters and secretly want to be Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina. Her southern hospitality and graceful charm combined with intelligence and self-confidence fuse together to place her high on my list of people to be reincarnated as.

Although the books are easy to read and offer no significant insight into character analysis or theme, they are indeed entertaining.

On the other hand, as much as I enjoy an easy beach-chair read, I also believe it's important to read pieces that will help me learn and grow as a person. Have you read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson? Please do. It will change your life.

Of course, it's no big secret that I'm extremely passionate about the topic of education. I believe all children can learn and ....ok... this is not going to turn into my plan to fix our crumbling educational system here in America.

As I was reading the book I was speechless... I'll leave you with some passages that truly touched my heart.

"After their familiar breakfast of chapattis and cha, Haji Ali led Mortenson up a steep path to a vast open ledge eight hundred feet above the Braldu. The view was exquisite, with the ice giants of the upper Baltoro razored into the blue far above Korphe's gray rock walls. But Mortenson wasn't admiring the scenery. He was appalled to see eighty-two children, seventy-eight boys, and the four girls who had the pluck to join them, kneeling on the frosty ground, in the open. Haji Ali, avoiding Mortenson's eyes, said the village had no school, and the Pakistani government didn't provide a teacher. A teacher cost the equivalent of one dollar a day, he explained, which was more than the village could afford. So they shared a teacher with the neighboring village of Munjung, and he taught in Korphe three days a week. The rest of the time, the children were left alone to practice the lessons he left behind."

"And it was obvious that most of the money that reached this altitude was earmarked for the army, to finance its costly standoff with Indian forces along the Siachen Glacier. But a dollar a day for a teacher, Mortenson fumed, how could a government, even one as impoverished as Pakistan's, not provide that?"

"After the last note of the anthem had faded, the children sat in a neat circle and began copying their multiplication tables. Most scratched in the dirt with sticks they'd brought along for that purpose."

"Can you imagine a fourth-grade class in America, alone, without a teacher, sitting there quietly and working on their lessons? I felt like my heart was being torn out. There was a fierceness in their desire to learn, despite how mightily everything was stacked against them, that reminded me of Christa. I knew I had to do something."

May I suggest you make yourself a little cup of tea and visit this place. I promise it will get your gears turning.

Before I go, take a peek at this conversation between Sir Edmund Hillary and Urkien Sherpa.

"Tell us, if there were one thing we could do for your village, what would it be?"

"With all respect, Sahib, you have little to teach us in strength and toughness. And we don't envy your restless spirits. Perhaps we are happier than you? But we would like our children to go to school. Of all the things you have, learning is the one we desire most for our children."

Growing

"Climb then, into this paradise...this pretty world of peace."

~Rose Macaulay

Off in the distance the sound of rumbling thunder rolls through the sky. Here, a scaredy puppy hides under a bed. But, we are peaceful, enjoying our own little paradise, even if our paradise consists of an herb garden, some new plants and a yummo-licious little snack.

Moments ago, the first droplets appeared, jumping and hopping like little grasshoppers upon the parched, dusty ground. Ahh yes, a summer storm. The timing is perfect, as yesterday these little lettuce babies received their new home.

Lately, the yard around 403 has been buzzing with activity. Yes, the bees (who were swarming our home by the thousands) are gone, but have swiftly been replaced by summer chores, cleaning, planting and harvesting.

I'm delighted that flip-flop wearing finally commenced and the the pressures of lesson planning and grading have gently subsided. The sweet, long days of summer have finally graced me with their presence, and I'm responding by taking full advantage of time to create, read, garden and learn.

If you've been following my story, you are aware that I'm growing quite fond of my herbs. Actually, I'm rather infatuated. And, it appears as though the dear little things love me back. The basil has been so kind as to provide me with the necessary ingredient for my new favorite summer snack. You've really got to try these.

Simply cut a fresh tomato into slices and drizzle with a bit of light balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Then, top with a sprinkle of mozzarella and romano cheese.

Finish by adding some fresh basil and a sprig of parsley.

So good. So, so, so good. So healthy. So wonderfully summer.

Here Fishy, Fishy

"I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes."
~e.e. Cummings

My Chad-o and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather today. The cool temperatures, sunny skies and warm sun provided the perfect ingredients for a day of stream stompin' and picture takin'. Chad-o teased the trout and I used my camera to harass every aspect of nature.

We started out walking through fields and along streams. Praise God I decided to wear tennis shoes rather than my flippies. That would have been a disaster.

And, you know how it is... You're out in the middle of nowhere and stumble upon two fairly decent turquoise chairs. Instantly, I flashed back to the movie, "Grumpy Old Men." Can you just picture those two geezers sitting on these lovely seats?

Mission accomplished.

*Don't worry- we released all the little trouts back to thier homes.

...'mornin

"By getting up early in the morning one also gets more time at his disposal for work as compared to late-risers. Scholars and thinkers get up early in the morning and contemplate."

~Rig Veda

Hello. I woke up early today and I just fell in love with the morning dew. You know the kind...gently placed little dew droplets and stringy spiderwebs.

Any day now, these day lilies will unfold and proudly showcase their yellow blooms. I think summer is finally tip-toeing through the garden...

Oh- and the craziest thing happened. Or, perhaps I've been spending too much quality time in my herb garden. But, this afternoon, as I was planting some baby basil sprouts, I turned my head, and much to my amazement, my eyes landed on a deer. Yep-- a deer!

I can honestly say that in all my years of living in the 'hood, I've never seen a deer wander through my neighbor's lawn.

Maybe the lesson for the day is to expect the unexpected.

Sounds good to me- I'm up for some adventure (wink*).

Vine Ripe Tomtaoes Coming Soon

"Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity."

~Lindley Karstens

I've been dreaming of these nifty cherry tomato plants, and my sweet mama and papa surprised me with two cuties today. Much to my delight they were perched on the back deck when I returned home from work this afternoon.

Aren't I lucky? My pardres are so nice. Gracias, Jossie and Ace.

Now I can eagerly await my first harvest, when I will whip up this delicious recipe for roasted cherry tomatoes.

Can you say, "Yum!?!"

*line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper

*slice tomatoes in half, scooping out seeds, and place cut-side up on pan (or leave them whole)

*lightly drizzle with olive oil

*sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, fresh rosemary, some basil, and 2 cloves of garlic

*bake at 225 F for aprox. six to seven hours or until caramelized and dehydrated-looking

It's Raining, It's Pouring

"The world is my country,

all mankind are my brethern,

and to do good is my religion."

~Thomas Paine

Did you ever notice how the sky emits a strange glow right before a thunderstorm?

I've always found a stormy light rather intriguing and went out to use the ethereal glow to capture some Nikon moments. I had the pleasure of dodging the droplets and cracks of lightening as I attempted to catch a glimpse of this gently emerging rhododendron flower. As a kid, I despised these flowering shrubs due to their intense love affair with huge, fuzzy, loudly buzzing bumble-bees. Thankfully, I'm past that now :)

Sneak Peek

"Don't let anyone tell you that you have to be a certain way. Be unique. Be what you feel."

~Melissa Etheridge

This is the beginning of the transformation. The original plan has been scratched.

Why? It became the norm. I just can't take that.

And, since poppy orange doesn't match in the least little bit, it shall be my accent color. I'm way obsessed with it.

My plan: to replicate nature, but give it a modern, contemporary twist...

PS- This jewelry box was previously faux oak. Can't you just picture it? (eewww) Being that oak makes me ill, I decided to perform cosmetic surgery with the help of some amazing Martha Stewart paint.

Sparks Were a Flyin'

"I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever."

~Amy Tan

campfires are special

campfires and summer 2005

campfires remind me of my the first time I was truly happy

campfires bring back long nights, under starry skies

campfires are memories of the best conversations

campfires are simple

campfires mark the beginning

of how two people fell in love

So Pretty, Must Have

"When ideas float in our mind without any reflection or regard of the understanding, it is that which the French call revery, our language has scarce a name for it."

~John Locke

Ok, so I found this picture today while doing some browsing on-line. I've decided I really need these dainty little candles and the whimsy they would bring. Also, this set the stage for my new color scheme... Stay tuned for the unveiling of my latest painting project.

A Dirt Diggin' Kind of Day

"Let no one think that real gardening is a bucolic and meditative occupation. It is an insatiable passion, like everything else to which a man gives his heart."

~Karel Capel

The weatherman called for a day of rains. Weatherchannel.com reported severe thunderstorms. I saw sunny skies.

Unable to resist the gardening temptation, or to heed the warnings of my trusty meteorologist, I hopped in Jaxie (my car), and high-tailed it to the nearest greenhouse.

How is one ever to make a choice? Of course, I was armed with a mental list of necessary items, but found it extremely difficult to stick to it. I knew I wanted to go with a purple and orange theme, and that flowers I purchased needed to enjoy a full day of flaming hot sun. Sounds easy enough, huh? ..umm....yea...not so much....

So, after packing Jaxie full of blooming wonder, I made a quick, yet necessary stop at the Donut Connection. Why not partake in my favorite java while doing one of my favorite things? It seemed like the recipe for a perfect day: coffee and plants.

And, it was. I managed to plant all of the flower pots, make my very own hanging basket, and start my herb garden. Ahh, yes...the sweetness of digging in the dirt.

mmm... Cilantro, mint, rosemary, lavender, and banana peppers...

I'm already getting excited for a summer of sun tea, made with the above fresh mint.

Always a fan of relaxation and sunshine, Charlie T. enjoyed an afternoon of watching her mama plant. As you can imagine, she offered fabulous gardening advice and even gave me a few pointers. She's such a smartie.

And, in case you are wondering, she consistently drags that golden pillow to the nearest sun spot, where she will attempt to 'lay out', and tan her fur. As you can see, it's coming along quite nicely.

Lilacs, Lilacs!

"Go down to Kew in lilac-time, in lilac-time, in lilac-time;

Go down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from London).

And you shall wander hand in hand with love in summer's wonderland;

Go down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from London)."

~Alfred Noyes, The Barrel Organ

If you haven't already noticed, the lilacs are blooming! On Sunday afternoon, as Charlie T. and I walked through the neighborhood, the fragrant smell of these flowers wafted through the air and danced in the breeze. Had my allergies not been fighting me, I'm sure I'd have enjoyed such an olfactory treat even more.

Anyway, seeing and smelling the hundreds of lilac bushes in my little town got me thinking. You see, my favorite color is purple.

So, as I contemplated purple, I started to wonder what it meant. I realized that researching the color's symbolic meaning might reveal aspects of my personality I didn't want to address. However, my curiosity got the best of me, and I quickly found myself typing 'color psychology' into Google.

My results were rather interesting. May I suggest that you take a few minutes and do some research of your own. You might be surprised to find out what your favorite color can reveal about you...

Celebrate Your Mama!

"You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around... and why his parents will always wave back."

~William D. Tammeus

Mamas are good. Mamas are necessary. Mamas make life better.

Thank you, Jossie, for being the best. I really did luck out!

Good Stuff- My Day in Pictures

"may the road

rise to meet you,

may the wind

always be at your back,

may the sun

shine warm upon your face,

may the rains

fall softly upon your fields..."

~Irish Blessing

I thought I'd give you a glimpse of my nifty little knitting project. Since it's so dull and dreary outside, I'm turning to colorful yarn to lift my spirits.

Of course, a delectable dish of strawberry shortcake made the day a bit sweeter.

And, there's something so gosh-darn cheerful about a bouquet of daisies.

Despite more rain, it was a pretty nice day. I'm off to beddie-bye...night, y'all.

My Quiet Place

"I would not exchange my leisure hours for all the wealth in the world."

~Comte de Mirabeau

I thought I'd share with you my quiet place; the place where I read and write and think.

My desk holds many memories; and for someone as nostalgic as me, that's highly important. Oh if my little desk could talk... I bet it could tell you some insane stories.

Today, however, is catalogue day! Me, Little Peep, a cup of peppermint tea, and the newest installment of one of our favorite catalogues, have decided to spend some quality time together. Off we go to the quiet place and drift into the land of wonder. The sound of rain pitter-patters on the roof, but we are content in our cozy, peaceful retreat.

Why is it so much fun to turn the pages and dream of owning all these amazing trinkets and unique goodies?