Birds!!

Here I was sitting at my desk, trying to decide what to write about today – actually trying to decide if I honestly have time to write today – when the snow storm started and literally brought with it a yard full of birds. Little omens of spring right in front of me! Robins, a woodpecker, and bunches of what I think might have been European starlings. They flirted about in the trees as I tried to capture just one or two through my lens and then while I was attempting to identify those chubby little black birds that I didn’t recognize they were suddenly all gone.

French Illustrations

I came across this wonderful set of vintage French illustrations by Raylambert on Flickr last week via The Constant Gatherer. You’ll have to go and check out the whole set on Pilllpat (Agence Eureka)’s Flickr. Aren’t they marvelous? Apparently, the illustrator did work in the early-mid 1900’s mainly for children’s story and text books. I tried to locate some of them, but as you might expect availability in the US is nearly obsolete. Thank goodness for image uploaders to enjoy all of this loveliness that would otherwise be forgotten.

My little baby brother who I used to sing to sleep turned 12 yesterday! I can’t believe it – partially because that makes me twice his age. We decided to shop for him at Hollister, since that is apparently the latest cool thing in his life, which experience definitely made me feel old. That is, until I saw a dress that I would totally wear were I not cheap and on this eco-shopping kick. (That ethical shopping thing, by the way, is totally kicking my butt. I hate it, so I sincerely hope it’s worthwhile because there are some pretties calling my name at Charlotte Russe and Forever 21…and Ann Taylor…and H&M….)

But I digress. A very happy birthday, Bryce (although I’m sure he won’t read this) and a very special belated birthday to my dear cousin, Lura, who always shares her magazines with me and gives me fun thrifty finds and advice galore. I know that she will read this, so if you’re in need of a good cousin lately feel free to sign up here.

Laundry Tip

Yesterday I decided it was time to toss the rug at the front door into the wash. (We got it on clearance at Pier 1.) Like other infrequently washed items, it has very specific cleaning instructions on the tag. So, I got the idea to cut off the tag, label it, and store it in the laundry area. That way, the cleaning instructions will never fade or get lost and I’ll never have to try to remember how to wash it safely. I think I’ll do the same thing with pillow covers and comforters too from now on.

I tried getting our tennis shoes out of the way for the picture, but looks like one of them managed to sneak in anyway! Haha, oh well. Our entry way does look a little bare though, doesn’t it? Any decorating suggestions? I have plans for a message board above the wicker chest and have been toying with hanging a more interesting light from the ceiling (it’s currently a pretty basic globe light), but since we only have 8 foot high walls I’m not sure that the usual chandelier or hanging lights would work. Decorating takes so much time, but it’s lots of fun, don’t you think?

Striped Straws

 I really like these stripy paper straws. Or is it that I just really like the photo? Anyway, super cute paper straws from Papermash.

Friends, how are you doing with winter? Are you finding ways to enjoy it or are you starting to feel pangs for spring? This year, my “spring fever” is manifesting itself in a desire to put away the meat and gorge on home-grown veggies. Funny, isn’t it?

Two Books

Two books I would love to take a peek at, both for the beautiful spreads and for the useful information:

Restoring a House in the City by Ingrid Abramovitch

The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping by Melody Fortier

FYI: You can enter to win a copy of Restoring a House in the City over at Little Green Notebook!

Memories of Solitude

This weekend we were blessed to be sick. So we (I, because I was less sick) wholeheartedly declared it our “Nothing Weekend,” a time to sleep hard and bask in the sunshine that miraculously poured through our windows three straight days in a row. A time to eat peanut butter chocolate chip cookies by the dozen. By Sunday morning, I woke up with unusual joy and a declaration that we should one day move to a climate where sun isn’t a random surprise.

But at the beginning of our long, germ-induced weekend, I had a yearning to plunge my skin into that piercing cold air one evening before the sun could escape without a brief visit. I tucked my camera into my coat pocket and pulled my jeans around my fur-trimmed boots (faux fur obviously) and walked across the street to the little city park – which is really just an extension of a grouping of backyards involving a playground and pond.

To Me

To me, supermarket bouquets are always worth it. We are sleepy and sniffly today, but the sun is out and the sky is blue and the fire is warm. And I am happy to be living this life. Here is my especial prayer from this week: ‘Give me “largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.” ‘ 1Kings 4:29

Today I Love…

…mustard and gray, ruffles and silk

I think I especially dream about colors when the winter starts to get long. The world on the other side of my window is an absolute wash of white except for the old red buds clinging to the maple.

I have most of the day off today, so I’m enjoying time to clean and bake and relax a bit. I never know from day to day whether I will work or not and sometimes I miss the element of planning ahead and being certain what my hours will hold. But this way I’m more careful with my time. It has become more precious to me.

Us

Of course I heard this song by Regina Spektor months ago, but I hadn’t thought to look at the music video, via Tell Love and Chocolate, before. And it is amazing. You will love it.

On an entirely unrelated note, last night we were playing with the six-year-old twins who are part of the group we babysit at church semi-weekly. The little girl almost definitely has a crush on Sean and is fairly obsessed with us being in love (and dancing together?). Anyway, she exclaimed, “You’re engaged!” to which Sean, who was playing with her brother, replied, “We’re married!” Her brother suddenly looked up and then the conversation went something like this:

Little Boy: No way, you can’t be serious. You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m going to kill myself!

Sean: No, I’m serious. Look, here’s my wedding ring.

Little Boy (getting increasingly upset): But I’m not a girl!

Sean: I’m not married to you, silly. I’m married to Katherine – over there!

Little Boy’s face floods with relief.

Sometimes you’ve gotta wonder…

Trinkets

I’ve been hunting for the perfect Valentine’s surprises for my love and I think I’ve got some good ideas, but they’re a secret. Instead, here are some inexpensive trinkets that would make great gifts for almost anyone.

-All from Urban Outfitters

Emma

I am very excited for the BBC’s newest version of Jane Austen’s Emma starring Romola Garai beginning this Sunday night on PBS. I wrote my senior thesis on this book and while I wasn’t much impressed with my own performance (being in love is about the worst thing for an education), I do have high hopes for Ms. Garai. Viewing times here.

Explanation

Hello, friends! You may have noticed that I removed the non-violent war discussion from yesterday. I was really enjoying what everyone had to say, but my conscience had been pricking me all day and after talking with Sean, I felt it would be better for me to remove the entry. My motives for posting were not exactly in the right place. There are people we know who are fighting or will be fighting in Iraq, so the subject is very sensitive for everyone and I don’t think that telling people what I believe is very productive. However, you are more than welcome to post further comments or discussions here. I can never hear enough from you all!!! Also, I would be more than happy to email you yesterday’s discussion if you missed it and are interested, or point you toward resources for learning more about non-violent war and why so many Christians believe it is Biblical (based on the Bible, of course). Meanwhile, I will be looking and praying for ways that I can get actively involved in this issue and may share opportunities from time to time as they arise. Oh, and Avatar discussions are not off-limits here either! Thanks everyone!

-Kath

P.S. Non-violent war is NOT the same as diplomacy. Sean suggested that maybe that wasn’t clear from before, so I thought I’d mention it just in case.

Gooey Dark Chocolate Cakes

What does a girl do when she’s craving chocolate cake? Fix up one of these, of course. I adapted this recipe from Laurent Schott’s The Seven Sins of Chocolate.

You will need:

• 3/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
• 7 Tbs. butter – unsalted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 1/2 Tbs. cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave until softened. Whisk in the butter until it’s melted and the chocolate is smooth. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and eggs. Add egg mixture to chocolate mixture. Whisk in dry ingredients. Chill for at least one hour. Bake in greased ramekins for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees. The insides should still be soft and gooey.

Tips:

Be sure to preheat the oven all the way before baking so that the consistency will be just right. The recipe makes about 6 servings depending on the size of your ramekins (cupcake pans would work too), but you can freeze individual portions to bake as the mood strikes. Just set your oven timer a little longer. The cookbook suggests topping with raspberry coulis, but I think ice cream and whipped cream are really good too. Don’t forget to serve them warm!

Happy Weekend!!

Mary Jane’s Farm

 

My library cycles out their stash of old magazines every Monday, so for 5 cents I grabbed a 2005 copy of Country Home. There was an article about a bed and breakfast that reminded me of glamping from last year, and the destination’s website does not disappoint on photos. The sweet little wall tents are filled with antiques, wood floors, and wood burning stoves. There are outdoor kitchens supplied with organic food and delicious pastries, and private outdoor claw-foot baths with gorgeous views. Mary Jane’s Farm seems like the perfect romantic vacation or one-girl retreat. To read more about the farm and see the rest of the photos in their slideshow, click here.

I Like Snow But…

Watching Three Coins in the Fountain has me dreaming about a picnic on a hill in the Roman countryside. Lots of bread and goat cheese and sleeves rolled up in the sunshine.

Because let’s be honest, winter and home ownership don’t get along too well. Icicles hanging off the rooof (indicates a heat leak): check. Suddenly non-functioning yard light – is it the power source, the cold, or the photo sensor? – anyway: check. Disappointingly low supply of hot water for showers because of ancient water heater: check. (Oh please let it break during a thaw! And before our year of new home owners insurance is up!!) And really, would it have been too hard to install a vent in the master bathroom? I can’t fathom 30 years of leaving the window open during showers in the dead of winter. Oh well, I do love our house and all of its “character.” Having a fire everyday in the fireplace pretty much makes up for all of that other stuff anyway.

Screenshot taken from this clip on YouTube