patch & parcel

Yellowstone Journey

2011-01-31T22:20:00.000-05:00

In taking some time to catch up here, I wanted to share some images and thoughts from our trip to Yellowstone National Park last year (yes well, June).

I was about 15 weeks pregnant, and the only signage I was really looking for was "women's restroom".

The place was magical, spilling and steaming over with the secrets of the earth.

Buffalo were as numerous as cattle. You could tell when a family had first arrived to the park by the way they screeched off the road snapping photos like there was no tomorrow.

Bears.

There are few places in the world where you feel like the air you breathe is connected to the core of the earth.

Along with the bubbling and rumbling of the ground, there were dry, lifeless places. Baked earth, barren. I hoped I wasn't like that.

Through the smile, I can see the strain and weight of the previous year on my face. We had legitimate reasons to fear that the little life growing inside of me would not survive.

These were difficult paths to walk. Though, there is Jude down below. Can you see him?

And now these many months later, we are thankful for our journey and Jude's healthy thriving life. Every cry is a joy and reminder of grace.

More Yellowstone photos.

Sweet Sets

2011-01-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

The first set was made by Aunt Cindy for me when I was a baby. My mother took care to preserve it, and it is still as sweet as ever. The second set was made for Jude by my cousin-in-law Geraldine, also knitter of the amazing duck booties. The last set was made by Aunt Cindy just for Jude - so special.

Recap

2011-01-27T22:03:00.005-05:00

Your first 10 weeks have been nothing short of amazing. We love you so dearly.

Handmade Fun

2011-01-27T12:26:00.011-05:00

crocheted car by Joyia, stone ornament by twofarmchicks, artwork by Caroline, monkey by Abby, flag banner by Danielle

Orange & Red

2011-01-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

Orange and red things around Jude's room.

Baby Booties

2011-01-26T16:42:00.019-05:00

Several special friends and family members made these little booties for Jude. So cute and warm for these winter months.

(By: 1-Cousin Geraldine, 2-Karen, 3-Aunt Cindy, 4-Cousin Geraldine once more, 5-unknown [made for me as a baby]) Get the duckie booties here!

What do these have in common?

2011-01-25T20:43:00.008-05:00

...songs and videos we sing and dance to with Jude. We get a lot wide-mouth smiles from these and extend our happy times. Check out our silly YouTube playlist.

Jude's Room

2011-01-24T23:43:00.007-05:00

Here are a few images from the nursery. Jude was give so many special handmade gifts, but more on that later...

wall color "Madeline Steps" by Valspar at Lowes; flag banner made by Danielle; blackout zig zag curtains made by me with material from fabric.com; toy box by Argington; handmade monkey by Abby; bear from Jude's emos (aunts) in Korea; afghan made for me as a baby

artwork by Jane Marshall and Caroline Santa; crocheted toy car by Joyia; quilt by Theresa; vintage books from ebay.com; bassinet by Argington; custom organic mattress and sheets by Healthy Child

blanket knit by Sara and Geraldine; glider by Pottery Barn via craigslist.org; artwork, quilt, changing pad cover, and lampshade made by me

Nell's 2010 Halloween

2011-01-18T16:00:00.010-05:00

In 2009, I introduced you to the Canine Halloween Costume Contest held at my workplace. In 2010, Nell and I paired up as The Big Bad Wolf and Pregnant Red Riding Hood. I made her costume from and old curtain I had bought from a thrift store.

Nell greeting The Cat in the Hat.

Hi Micky!

Laverne and Shirley:

Cop and Robber:

Sushi:

Grape & Elephant:

Jude's Quilt

2011-01-18T13:25:00.003-05:00

In making this quilt for Jude, I wanted to piece together something special that would be a token of love for him. I hope he will one day see the joy of my expectation and affection for him in every stitch. In the fabrics, there are swatches from both mine and Gene's histories: a piece of his shirt, a scrap from my grandmother's sheets. To me, the quilt symbolizes parts of two becoming something new.

I began by looking for some inspiration and found some lovely samples from Purl Soho, A Quilt is Nice, and fitf.

Then, I made a plan in InDesign by scanning in my fabrics and making the design to scale.

Without much formal training, I found The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide to be an essential resource.

And and few months later, the final touch was putting my sweet baby Jude on top! I hope it will be something he can treasure in the future.

The Formation of a Logo

2010-01-31T14:26:00.025-05:00

For a graphic designer, creating a logo can be one of the most difficult design challenges. How can one small symbol encapsulate the entire substance of a business, organization or brand? I thought it might be interesting to share my process of logo creation using the example of the Bouvier Community Garden logo.

First, I made a list of words that describe the organization. This was easy for the garden because the description is tied up in the name: "community" and "garden." The plots can be used to grow anything, but are most often used for vegetable gardens. So, I tried to keep in mind that the icon should symbolize people coming together, growth, the cultivation of vegetables and flowers, and enjoyment.

Second, I looked for inspiration from artists, garden books, photographs of the space, google searches and other logos that have been created for similar organizations. One artist that I love is Olaf Hajek. His gorgeous illustrations were a starting point for the composition and natural motifs that I could use in the logo.

Third, I made several sketches of potential designs and narrowed them down to the one below. I wanted to combine the plants in a fun and semi-quirky way as well as include a reference to community with the two bees meeting at the flower. Open-handed motifs seemed overdone in logos trying to express community, so the bee reference seemed nice. (Not to mention that we are partnering with a bee keeper to house some hives this season!)

Fourth, I brought my drawing into Adobe Illustrator to recreate it in vector form. Using vector art, a logo can be scaled as large as you want it to be without losing any of the quality, because the shapes are based on points. The opposite format is pixel-based art (all photographs are pixel-based), and it is not scaleable. A logo should be versatile, because you don't know what it might be used for in the future. For us, we need a large sign!

After I created the illustration, I played with color to achieve the right balance. Color is tricky in logo design, because you have to think about the cost of printing. Each color you use adds to the cost. The final version below uses two colors. You can be creative in how you expand the usage of just two colors. The light greens and peaches are merely tints (smaller applications of ink) of the teal and orange colors, so the money can go further without losing a nice variation in tone.

Finally, I played with many versions of the type. I liked the all-caps version of "BOUVIER" using the filosophia font, but I couldn't decide on the "community garden" font. I landed on Neutra Text TF Book because it seemed optimistic, sophisticated and was a nice balance to the "BOUVIER" font.

Here is the final product. I hope it conveys a sense of growth, partnership and excitement!

Jardins Ouvriers

2010-01-22T20:08:00.006-05:00

"A few years ago French photographer Marie-Pierre Vincent settled with her family in the town of Saint Etienne where the local social authorities commissioned her to document the jardin ouvriers, or "workers" gardens, in the area. Vividly portraying how the gardens are used throughout the year, the photos reveal their value for the community." - Bloom

There is something warming, humble and graceful about these modern-day photos of workers' gardens. These spaces emerged in the late 19th century to provide laborers a place to grow food and improve their quality of life. As spring approaches and I start thinking about our own little patch of green, I'm inspired by the history of these jardins and the people who worked so hard to produce their sustenance and bring beauty to their communities.

Here are some photos of the gardens from the past:

Canine Costume Contest

2009-12-31T16:37:00.006-05:00

For my last catch-up post of the year, let me tell you all about the doggy Halloween costume contest and parade at my workplace (which is dog-friendly if you didn't know). Here are a few of the players:

Nell of course

Slayer (Nell's co-dog), the headless horseman

a turkey and pig

a turtle and Max

a pumpkin, banana and chicken

Bear as Nell's favorite - a squirrel

waiting for the parade to start

parade!

judges scrupulously judging

Guess who won a prize! Miss Nell for cutest. Duh!

I convinced Gene to join in the fun later in the weekend. Three cheers for corn, carrots and peas!

Italian Vacation Home Video

2009-12-31T15:00:00.003-05:00

For Christmas, I gave Gene a DVD of the edited and compiled footage from our trip to Italy this year. We hoped to capture some of the sights and sounds of this beautiful country with our low quality camera which has a diana-like light quality. If you are into home videos (!!) you can watch these 4 video segments, each about 5 minutes long.

Also, we recently purchased a fancy-pants HD video camera. So, you can look forward to hours and hours of more riveting home videos from us.

Churrasco

2009-12-31T08:20:00.010-05:00

Earlier this year, we held a churrasco or Brazilian barbecue. The cuisine was inspired by our trips to Brazil in 2002 (Gene) and 2003 (myself) and by the Brazilian community we recently found in Philadelphia. On the 6500 block of Castor Avenue in northeast Philadelphia, you will find a sprinkling of Brazilian flavor. Start by eating at Picanha: it will be one of the most delicious and inexpensive culinary experiences you will have had in Philadelphia. Classically Brazilian, you pay for your food by the pound. Then go next door to Bull Boi to buy ingredients and delights straight from the Motherland. Here are some of the dishes we created for our churrasco:

Pao de Queijo - cheese bread

Beans and Rice

Feijoada - meaty stew

Brazillian Kale

Brazilian Vinaigrette

Brigadeiro - chocolate candies

Here are some photos of the massive amounts of meat and fun times at our barbecue:

Ben and Issac

Gene

Laura, Ginger, Melissa

Justin

Gene

Jenny, Levi, Caroline, Leo

Ben, Laura

Joanna, Zac, then Ben and Gene in the background

Kevin

Carrots

2009-12-29T21:28:00.006-05:00

I've neglected to post several photos and highlight certain events over the past few months, so I'm going to make up for some lost time with my next few entries. First on the list are some photos of the ridiculous carrots that I grew in my garden plot this year. They range from bright and colorful, to spiral to - well, let's say - masculine. We just couldn't eat him.

Nell's First Snow

2009-12-20T16:49:00.006-05:00

a few other scenes from the weekend of snow:

Italy.

2009-08-09T12:49:00.005-04:00

In late May, Gene and I traveled to Italy to experience the food, scenery, culture, art, and history. It was a visually stunning experience from the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside to ancient structures with stories to tell. Here is a little trip through our time there.

ROME

Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum

The first thing we did when we arrived in Rome was visit the Colosseum. I didn't expect it to be so impactful in person in the same way that listening to a symphony play live as opposed to in a recorded form doesn't seem that different to me at times. But it was stunning.

Seeing the Roman Forum was one of my favorite parts. I kept marveling about how Rome is this modern city that just detours around the ancient crumbling parts of history. It was amazing that we were able to experience a glimpse of life in those artifacts, those layers of the past sprinkled throughout.

I loved learning the story of the Vestal Virgins in high school. Below is the temple as it stands now.

Day 2: Pantheon, Villa Borghese

As we walked into the Pantheon, a choir of students broke out into the most angelic chorus of songs and hymns. The light filtered in, the crowds hushed, and all stopped to take in the pure beauty of the moment.

We walked walked north and wandered into a park, Villa Borghese. There we found a lake with row boats for rent, and Gene took us for a little ride.

Day 3: Vatican, Sistine Chapel

As we stood in line to enter St. Peter's, we realized that this is a pilgrimage of a lifetime for some of the people here. Once inside, the embellishment and gilt of every tiny detail spoke to something grand and opulent. My favorite moment there again involved music. A soloist and his choir were singing a song so sweet, so comforting that the high piety of the space melted into something warm. I was amazed as the people in the mass started clapping to the tune of the chorus. Even though I couldn't find the name of the song and I couldn't understand the Italian words, I will never forget the sound of it or the way it made me feel.

The Papal Swiss Guard:

A beautiful ceiling in the Vatican Museum:

The Sistine Chapel ceiling was gorgeous, but the context in which we saw it seemed less than holy. As we walked in, there was a sign that said, "No talking, no photography," and that's exactly what everyone was doing. So we joined in with the mob.

Here's a little kid digging in the father's fountain for pennies. We thought this was hilarious:

That evening we took a high speed train to Florence. This was our first peak at the Duomo:

FLORENCE

Day 4: Bike Tour

One of our favorite days was taking the Tuscany Bike Tour in the country side. Seeing the rural areas and in the open air was refreshing, since we had already spent a lot of time in the city. We look ridiculous here, but it sure was a blast.

Gene was in love with the sausage and cheese in Italy. Here he is in his element:

Day 5: Duomo, Ghiberti doors, Lover's Locks

We climbed to the top of the Florence cathedral, the Duomo and had some amazing views.

Throughout the city, we were perplexed to see places where a bunch of locks were hanging on a rail or a gate. We found out that lovers write their names on the locks and throw away the keys in the river to symbolize eternal love.

Day 6: Gallerie dell'Accademia Venezia, San Gimignano, 1st driving tour

No pictures were allowed here either, but we stole one of the David, until two Italian ladies came running and screaming at us.

By now we were ready to leave Florence and find some more time to relax in the country. On the way, we stopped at San Gimignano, city of towers. In medieval times, lords kept building the towers (and knocking down others') to compete with one another. Fourteen still stand.

Here is the "Castello" di Monteliscai, in which we stayed near Sienna. We felt a little more like the peasants of the castle because of the room. A little musty, dark and dank.

TUSCANY

Day 7: 2nd driving tour

We were pretty tired by this point, so we took at day to rest and just drove around to soak in the scenery. Every square of land was covered with grape vines or olive trees, and there was a castle just about on every hill.

Day 8: Chianti winery tour, Sienna, Buonconvento, 3rd driving tour

Symbol of the Chianti region:

This winery tour at the Castello di Bossi was very historically informative. We learned that fifty years ago, pasta and fine wine weren't a part of common people's daily lives. They were very poor and basically enslaved in a crop sharing system. They mostly ate beans, and wine mixed with water was used just to get them through the tough days.

Visiting Buonconvento was one of those treasures you chance upon. It wasn't a tourist attraction; it was a slice of life. As we were driving around one night after dinner, we saw this town on a map and thought, "Oh, this must be a good convent." Turns out it was a small town still situated within ancient fortified walls. As we walked through the narrow alleyways within, we heard people talking to their families as they prepared dinner, we heard the clanging of dishes, and we heard laundry flapping in the wind. Really special.

Day 9: Castiglione della Pescaia

On our way back to Rome, we drove down the coast to spend some time on the shore of the Mediterranean. Castiglione della Pescaia was quaint and sparsely populated. We rented bikes and made our way along the beach.

For dinner, we chose our fish from a cart and had it served whole. It was a fun experience and so delicious:

The beauty of everyday life and the purity of the land stole my heart. Our journey was the experience of a lifetime.

View more pictures here.

Newbold Moments

2009-08-02T22:40:00.017-04:00

Riding my bike to work almost everyday has caused me to slow down and take a second look around my neighborhood, Newbold...

...where it started with this neighborhood tour. I am so inspired everyday as I ride by this man's front stoop sanctum, that I started to poke around other parts of the neighborhood...

...like here. I love all the pots in a row as well as the owner's ivy vine in training. "Please grow here"...

...and in this little parcel of land, the lovely Hicks Street Garden. A pocket of manicured abundance...

...though abundance isn't always so nurtured. These grape vines grow back every year at the end of the Bancroft/Dinkinson alley. Every season, it is surprising...

...though it is displayed with faithful punctuality. This lady changes her gushing bow decor to match every single holiday. She keeps the neighborhood colorful...

...which is fitting for our colorful neighborhood. Newbold is home to a diverse population of African American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Vietnamese, and Indonesian people. Every morning at Disilvestro Park, you can catch a group of Asian ladies in their wide brimmed hats doing morning exercises or sitting on a bench for a spell to chat. At the Disilvestro Recreation Center, there are fun activities for kids to do like dance, gardening or ceramics...

or rock climbing and swimming at Chew Playground. Well, except this year, the city closed many of the public pools in Philadelphia to save money. Undoubtedly, this has made a lot of neighbors sad...

...as does the eyesore of Baynard's Bar. But, we have to laugh at that sign everytime we drive by: POSITIVELY 'N'O DRUGS. It isn't our favorite business around...

...but this place is. Our new coffee shop, Ultimo Coffee, inventively used wood flooring from old moving trucks to create their counter tops. They also use a creative method to make their coffee in Chemex glass brewers. I love the simplicity of the place...

...and the bright bold colors of the new mural at 15th and Manton. Unexpected hues are around every bend...

...in Buddhist Temples, too. It is not uncommon to see a monk walking by in his orange robes...

...or to see someone walking to mass or to one of the small corner churches that are just around every bend.

Quirky, surprising, bold, charming, imperfect, colorful, never dull: this is Newbold.

See more of the tour here.

Down Home Fun

2009-08-01T17:42:00.013-04:00

Last weekend, we went to Alabama for Gene's high school reunion. It was a treat that we got to spend a couple of days with my family in Locust Fork. We flew into Birmingham at 7:30 in the morning (don't ask) and ate breakfast at the Pancake House.

When we got back to Locust Fork, Mom showed me around the garden. The squash, beans, peas, tomatoes, okra and watermelon were all looking fine! There was even a inadvertent pumpkin patch cascading down the hill where last year's Halloween pumpkin had been tossed.

Then with my great-grandmother's pressure cooker, Mom taught me how to can some of the green beans they had picked earlier that week. Sara joined us for a round of tomatoes the next day. Southern-lady bonding time!

While we were canning upstairs, Gene and Dad were in the basement doing man things. They dusted the cobwebs off Dad's old road bike and Sara's (now Mom's) old Murray (oh yeah, that Wal-mart special). New tires, a little WD-40, and a thorough wipe down is all it took to spiff them up. At the very least, I think Dad was happy doing a guy-project with Gene. All those years of coping with the 3-1 ratio is finally starting to pay off. :)

Then we decided to go to the lake to ride in the boat and swim. (Hoist up those gas cans Gene!) The smell of a boat motor is always strangely nostalgic to me. It was so refreshing and freeing to feel the wind, sun and water on my face.

It was a quick visit with them, but it was nice to be in a quiet setting doing southern things for a few days. Mom noted that sometimes she wants to get away to a city (town) for a while, why I like taking a break in the country. I guess we all need a change of scenery now and then.

Final Two

2009-08-01T14:15:00.009-04:00

A few weekends ago, Gene and I went on a biking expedition to find the perfect city bike. We went to bike stores in the city that offered models I had researched online. I was a little disappointed with the selection I found, but was still interested in the Jamis Commuter 2, Bianchi Parco, Gary Fisher Simple City 3, and the Trek Allant. Today at Bike Line, I test rode the latter two in my size, and they are the final contenders!

With the larger handle bars and seat, the Trek seems slightly more like a comfort bike, and the Gary Fisher seems more streamlined. The Trek is a 7 speed and the Fisher is a 3 speed (with a pedal-backwards rear break). The Fisher was slightly lighter and had an awesome double-leg kick stand. As far as the color, Gene said that if I would have asked him a few years ago, he would have thought the olive was more suitable for me (I was drab in those days), but he thought maybe now I'm more of a blue-green girl. Oh, it is so hard to decide!

Photos courtesy of my husband's lovely cell phone:

Bike Envy

2009-07-11T17:14:00.017-04:00

More citified than ever, we sold the Sentra and are down to one vehicle. I love my $50 "Rollfast" but I do have my eye on something newer and lighter. Here are a few that I have been eying. What is your vote?

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

CSA: Week 2

2009-05-17T07:55:00.005-04:00

This week we received in our box:

-bunched arugula
-collards
-spinach
-dandelion leaf
-Red leaf lettuce
-bok choy
-spring onions
-parsley

Here are the meals I planned to make use of our greens:

have already enjoyed...

-Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary, field peas, collard greens, arugula salad

-Red Leaf Lettuce Salad with Balsamic Vinegarette (for a side at small group)

-Spinach Noodles, pasta sauce, mixed greens salad from our community garden

will soon enjoy...

-Dandelion Greens with Garlic Croutons and Hard-Cooked Egg

-Shrimp & Bok Choy Stir Fry

-Parsley Chimichurri for Ribs

Sara & Will

2009-05-12T21:18:00.011-04:00

Jessica Wright did an amazing job capturing the sweetness and warmth of Sara and Will's wedding. I'm speechless! Here are a few of my favorites, but you can view (many, many) more here.

Mom & Me

2009-05-10T22:20:00.004-04:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Community Supported Agriculture

2009-05-04T21:04:00.009-04:00

Inspired by Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbra Kingsolver, I have been trying to think more about how to purchase fresh local food. One of the easiest ways to do this is to buy a share in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). We signed up with a farm north of Philly, Wimer Organics. You pay for the share upfront and then pick up a box of 8 different vegetables weekly for 21 weeks. We will be getting eggs starting in June as well! Our pick-up place is only a few blocks from our house, so it is super easy. I confess, opening the box was like Christmas. This week, our first box contained:

-salad mix
-radishes
-spinach
-chives
-lettuce
-kale
-tarragon
-cilantro

So, in order to eat all of this, I had to make a plan. Here are four meals that incorperate the ingredients in our box:

Gingered Kale and Tofu with Rice
Dijon Tarragon Cream Chicken & Salad with Radishes
Spinach and Potato Frittata
Asian Lettuce Wraps

If you are interested in local food in Philly here are a few places to start:
www.farmtocity.org
www.localfoodphilly.org

If you live anywhere in the United States, visit Local Harvest to learn about farmer's markets, restaurants who support local farmers, and CSAs in your area.

Quilting Continues

2009-05-04T20:03:00.013-04:00

The quilt continues to be a work in progress. I am finished piecing the top and back. Now the quilt is "sandwiched," which means I've temporarily sown the top, batting and back together with large 4" stitches. When the quilting is completed, they will be cut out.

Quilting is actually the act of stitching the three layers together by hand or machine. There are all kinds of quilting designs one can find or create. I sketched my design on tracing paper, which I placed over a printout of the quilt top and then the bottom; then, I translated it into my computer. That way I could see what it would look like on the front and the back.

I found a way in Adobe Illustrator to create a brush that draws two lines equally 1" apart. This helped me to make the spacing in the quilting pattern consistent.

I loved the ladies in my quilting class. I actually looked forward to Mondays for 10 weeks! If you live in Philly, Fleisher is offering the class again this summer. Here are a few more pictures from the class.

When I went home for Sara's wedding, I got out the many quilts that my grandmother and great-grandmother made. They were so sweet and beautiful. My mom said that part of my great-grandmother's quilting culture was to make every single tiny stitch by hand. The ladies in her community quilted all winter long. Farming in summer; quilting in winter. So, that's the perspective I'm adopting with this project. I am so involved with the garden right now, that I think quilting may be my winter sport.

Trees

2009-05-04T19:33:00.010-04:00

A few weeks ago, I had gone home for lunch when all of a sudden I heard jack-hammering outside our door. I've never been so excited to hear so much noise!

(Bonus: Click on the two pictures below to see the lovely sign on notebook paper "waitin 4 tags".)

When we came back from the wedding, we were met with our new baby tree! It is an Acer ginalla - Amur Maple. We had the sidewalk inspected, the concrete cut and removed, and received the tree all for free through TreeVitalize. Communities then come together to plant and care for the trees.

We were a part of the fall planting for our neighborhood back in November (see below). Over 100 neighbors in Newbold have applied for trees for the coming fall planting! How beautiful.

Broad Street Run

2009-05-03T10:33:00.011-04:00

Go friends!
View more pictures here.

1) Matt Danielson in the lead.

2) Our good neighbors, Beth (white tank) and 3) Leslianna (red shirt)

4) My own love, Gene

Can you find 5) Drew and 6) Joyia?

7) Ben rockin' out to some tunes

8) Sweet Jenny took a moment for a kiss

9) Stacy looked great out there!

10) And Adam pulling up the rear.

11) Oh, wait, here come two more! Ginger and Melissa both at 8 months pregnant.

Sorry Cara, Susie and Chris; we must have missed you!

Cheering Squad:

Getting ready for the race:

Wedding Prep

2009-04-27T22:53:00.009-04:00

What an amazing week I just had in Alabama as we prepared for my sister's wedding day. The rolling hills of lush green growth, expansive quiet, and the laughter that only a Southerner can produce was nourishment to my heart.

Most of all, I enjoyed talking and spending time with Sara, which I actually had a lot of opportunities to do. We shared a table for two at the Bridesmaids' Luncheon. We went together to have her hair done. We spent the morning before the wedding dancing, "cuttin' up" and getting ready together. She. Was. Stunning. You'll have to hold your horses for wedding photographs as neither Gene nor I had one chance to snap a shot at the actual wedding. I can't wait to see what Jessica came up with!

View more of my photos here.

Bridesmaids' Luncheon:

Rehearsal:

Morning of the Wedding:

Mineralogical Records

2009-04-15T13:48:00.014-04:00

I have been delighted by these beautiful little compositions over the past week. There are literally thousands of labels archived in the Mineralogical Record Label Archive. The site is unbelievably difficult to navigate (keep advancing the number at the end of the URL http://www.minrec.org/labels.asp?colid=3), but after combing through the first mere 500, here are a few of my favorites.

Here's why:
-bleeding ink
-scratch marks
-yellowed paper
-the mix of printed type with handwriting
-purple typewriter ink
-beveled corners
-big fancy numbers
-stamps
-coffee stains
-enumeration
-tiny sketches
-the use of sticker labels

What's on the menu...

2009-04-08T21:59:00.023-04:00

...this summer?

fresh mixed green salad...

...with garlic bread...

...and pasta with tomato sauce.

The next night maybe we will have sugar snap pea stir fry...

tossed with sweet peppers...

...and mint tea to wash it down. For the weekend, we'll have herbed chicken...

...with sauteed squash...

...and steamed green beans.

all in the backyard as we enjoy the sweet scent of roses...

...and the bright greenery of the boxwoods.

I'll end the night soaking and scrubbing in the tub with my luffa sponge.

These are a few of the things sprouting in and around the house. Bring on the harvest!

Teal and Peach

2009-03-29T08:58:00.015-04:00

I've had a lot of fun helping Sara with her wedding paraphernalia. She is going with a teal theme based on the bridesmaid's dresses with a sweet peach accent. Below are a few designs I cooked up along with some other pieces to complete the look.

bridesmaids dress

shower invitation

wedding invitation

her sexy shoes

bridesmaid luncheon invitation

thank you card

and the lovely couple themselves!

Girlfriend Weekend

2009-03-23T18:03:00.008-04:00

The weekend before last, I had the opportunity to catch up with two of my favorite people, Amy and Abby. Abby and I flew up to Boston to meet the 2.5 McClures. We did a lot of fun things, but most of all we talked, talked, talked, and that was the best part. When I got home, Gene asked, "Were you talking over each other all the time? I don't think I could have handled all that chatting." That's why it was girl's only! Here's a short run of our activities:

Saturday
-Walked around the Italian North End area and ate lunch
-Grabbed canolis at Mike's Pastries for dessert
-(I reluctantly) Played Apples to Apples (but had fun in the end)

Sunday
-Ate a delicious breakfast at Dogwood Cafe
-Failed at arriving to the St. Patrick's Day Parade (it was insanity just trying to get there)
-Walked around Harvard Square
-Went to church at Christ the King, Dorchester

Monday
-Did swimmercises, synchronized swimming, handstands and the washing machine at the community center pool
-Visited Amy's lovely studio
-Walked around Newbury Street, the shopping area

Tuesday
-Stopped by Salem, MA to see about the witch trials
-Walked around Rockport, MA, a classic New England town on the coast. Most of the stores and restaurants had signs that said "CLOSED, see you in spring!" with Christmas decorations still intact. It was so quiet and beautiful though.

See more pictures from various Boston visits.

Urban Pioneer Woman

2009-03-19T13:46:00.018-04:00

Cultivating Crop
Last night I prepared my precious seedlings for indoor germination. I mixed the perfect non-soil, tucked in 100 dormant dots of life into trays, and covered them with plastic wrap to keep in moisture. Though I am a little late, I'm going to grow sugar snap peas, broccoli, lettuce and garlic for my spring crop. We are staking the plots in the Bouvier Community Garden this weekend, so I expect to have my transplants into the ground soon.

Quilting
Below is the plan for my quilt top that I put together in Adobe InDesign (a very helpful tool to create exact measurements to scale).

My next task is cutting the pieces with my new rotary cutter and then stitching them together. This past weekend, I spent time in Boston with two of my best friends, Abby and Amy. Abby was so sweet to make me this beautifully quilted cathedral window pillow. I adore it! She actually inspired me to learn about quilting when she took a class a little while ago. See some of her work here.

Also in search of quilting paraphernalia, I discovered the most adorable fabric shop down the street from me today, Spool. Abby you would eat your Amy Butler's heart out!

Perfect Non-Soil for growing vegetables and plants:
-1/3 peat moss
-1/3 vermiculite (I couldn't find this so I used perlite as a substitute)
-1/3 assorted blended compost (use several different kinds in the mix; I used mushroom and manure)

Showering Sa Sa

2009-03-09T21:59:00.009-04:00

I spent this past weekend in Brevard, NC to help shower my sister with love and grown-up necessities before her wedding day. Having such a hard, cold and stressful past few months, the getaway was a welcome relief. I basked in 70° sunlight and stillness as much as time would allow. Geraldine graciously (and gorgeously) offered her home for a lovely brunch on her southern porch Saturday morning.

Garden Plans

2009-03-09T21:15:00.014-04:00

Spring is just around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited about planting my vegetable garden. Our green and clean committee has been working hard to organize and commence the Bouvier Community Garden. Part of my job was drawing up the plan, complete with 24 4' x 8' personal plots and a sitting area. I am literally two blocks away from the dirt.

Over the weekend, I started reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle -- Barbara Kingsolver's journey to produce, buy and eat local food in southern Appalachia for one year. I'm already enthralled with her thoughts, stories and commentary on food life in America.

I also picked up from the library Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew, which explains how to grow gardens more efficiently. I used his ideas to come up with the plan for my plot below. He suggests how many plants can grow in each square foot, hence the numbers. Community teamwork, green spaces, wholesome nourishment: I can't think of any project that could be more satisfying.

Newest Preoccupation: Quilting

2009-02-21T20:07:00.032-05:00

Craft and Art
Next week, I begin a Quilting Arts class at Fleisher. I compiled what fabric scraps I had into this green and purple palette.

I am intrigued by artists using craft as an art medium. I have used bits of sewing in a few book forms in the past, but the cross stitch I made not so long ago was the first time the stitches were a part of the image-making. There is an intimacy that develops between you and your work when you touch, deliberate over and visually focus on something that you are piecing together day after day. Staring forces you to deal with every atom of the matter.

A Bit of Inpsiration
Little Yellow Birds and Stitch Spectacular are blogs that have loads of inspiring images and artist features.

Also, here are a few images that have inspired me as I approach my new quilting project.

1) Pivotal Irrigation, Leah Evans 2) I want you to remember me that way, Aliza Lelah 3) Lotto quilt (made with lottery tickets, memo pad paper, Dunkin Donuts bags), Vadis Turner 4) quilt, Sara Cain 5) Bone/Snow, Denyse Schmidt

A Quiet Night of Snowfall

2009-02-03T22:50:00.005-05:00

10:30 p.m.

D.C.

2009-01-26T23:12:00.016-05:00

I've been wanting to visit D.C. since we moved to Philadelphia, and for our 4th anniversary, I had my chance. The city was very clean, very precise. Everything seemed to revolve around government and to be a bit lacking in character. Of course, it was amazing to see the monuments with my own eyes. Such landmarks, I already felt so familiar with them as I looked at them in person. The free-of-charge Smithsonian Museums were such testaments to American culture; we partook of them for two full days. In the National Museum of the American Indian, a Native American man wearing fringe and long black braids asked Gene, "Are you native?" We didn't really know what to think about that.

It was also neat to see the city making preparations for the inauguration; HUNDREDS of port-o-potties lined the streets. When the actual day came, it was great having a frame of reference when the commentators mentioned Pennsylvania Avenue, the Mall, and other landmarks. With three full days, we did not have much time to relax but were enriched to spend time in our nations' capital.

D.C. in three days:
Washington Monument
World War II Memorial
Korean War Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Vietnam Memorial
White House
Capitol Building
United States Botanic Garden
National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of Natural History
American History Museum

National Portrait Gallery
National Air and Space Museum

View more pictures here.

Duane Hanson sculpture

Chuck Close paper pulp portrait (amazing)

New Year's Festivites

2009-01-12T23:31:00.014-05:00

Bringing in 2009, was full of music, friends and food. New Year's Eve, we joined our friends Ben and Melissa to see the Philadelphia Orchestra. The music was lively and fun. Everyone even started clapping along with the last song, and the conductor encouraged the crowd! The best part was when I looked across the Kimmel Center and saw a refined, white-haired older man doing something similar to this in lieu of clapping.

In the morning, we walked three blocks to Broad Street to view the Philadelphia tradition that is the Mummers' Parade. There wasn't a crowd where we stood and it was fun to watch the crazy costumes (and crazy people) for a little while.

For lunch, we invited over some friends to eat Hoppin' John, Turnip Green Soup, and Rice Cake Soup - all very delicious if I do say so myself! Eating soup and being with friends was a warm way to welcome 2009.

Nolan, Cara, Mary, Tracey, Germine

Joyia and Brent

Me and Mary!

Christmas on Chadwick Street

2008-12-29T19:02:00.009-05:00

Un-hiding Light
Let me tell you a little about Christmas on Chadwick Street. Last year no one decorated for Christmas on our block. Our tree was in the corner away from the window...on purpose. We wouldn't want to invite a robbery! But this year was a little different. One of the new couples on the block boasted their tree with colored lights in the center window. Our (my) mentality has changed a lot over the past year, so we followed suit. Soon, lights, wreaths and decorations were warming up the block - people letting their guard down.

Warm Gestures
A few days before Christmas, I was walking to my car and the elderly man who lives across the street yelled,"27! 27! What just a minute!" I was looking around wondering who he was talking to until I realized it was me...1427 Chadwick. He came out with a gift wrapped in red tissue paper and a card. During the summers, we had waved to one another as he sat on his porch, but we had never spoken. I didn't even know his name. Mr. Scotty (as I found out) gave us a "pot of gold," a box of chocolates from Hershey. It was so sweet and totally made my day.

Molasses, Cinnamon & Peppermint
Last year, Gene was determined to make cookies for the entire block (about 40 row homes). I was nervous about being SO forward when I felt like hiding much of the time. He made all of the cookies by himself and delivered them, too. I remember staring through the blinds, heart thumping, watching him deliver the gifts one-by-one. What a huge heart. This year, however, I didn't want to miss out on the fun. I helped Gene cook and then packaged the baked goods for him to deliver. We got this sweet note in the mailbox today from one of the neighbors:

The Cost of Wholeness
A new neighbor, Tracey, recently moved to the block. We met her when she dropped her laundry bag on the sidewalk and Gene offered to carry it to her place for her. We've talked on the phone or seen each other about every other day since that moment two weeks ago. She is helping us to see things...about our true desires, about how blessed we are, about what it means to be a neighbor. Being her friend hasn't come without the cost of time and energy, but as Gene has been saying lately, "we aren't made whole until we give something away." Inside 1427 Chadwick on Christmas day, there were only a couple of presents under the tree, there was flour and sugar on the floor, we were spent and tired, but we felt whole. We sang Christmas carols to the tune of Gene's guitar, spent time eating and laughing with friends, and all felt merry and right.

Southern Holidays

2008-12-03T21:27:00.012-05:00

A few people in Philadelphia have expressed wonderment at my Southern Thanksgiving, so I thought I'd share some of our culture with you.

Eternal Traditions:
- playing dominoes with Pa-Paw
- eating deep fried turkey, ham, my mom's amazing dressing, the richest sweet potato casserole you ever put in your mouth (and other desserts for sides), green beans, soft rolls, and pecan pie
- football (napping for me)
- energetic walks with the family in the woods
- the Turkey Trot
- shooting skeet, yes that means guns people
- lots of laughs

New Memories:
- snuggling with the new babies
- eating smoked goat leg and goat burgers from Uncle Ronnie's homemade oven
- paddle boating in the pond
- table games at the church
- spending time with my dad drinking tea at Continental Bakery
- teasing Sara about when she's going to get engaged...no more as of yesterday!

View more pictures here...

Little sister, Jade.

2008-11-11T21:07:00.011-05:00

This fall I have had the opportunity to participate with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) through work. Every other Thursday for an hour during lunch, I get to hang out with Jade. The program makes giving back so easy, and it has been worth every moment. We've gotten to do some pretty fun things together so far:

1st week: painting nails (mine where alternating white and purple with flower nail tatoos)

2nd week: art at the picnic tables

3rd week: hip hop photo shoot with friends

4th week: painting pumpkins (I had this activity planned for Halloween, but BBBS was canceled that week due to the kids' fall festival at the school. So, we painted "fall pumpkins.")

Intimacy with Creation

2008-11-11T20:25:00.006-05:00

Ever since the city-wide clean up in April, Raheem (left) has been my little friend. He would ask me every time I saw him, "Can we clean up the street today?" Too often I was running out of the door, off to some other commitment. Finally a day came when I could say, "yes!" So, I brought out some gloves, some bags, and a bin for recycling; he brought his mother's broom. As we began cleaning, kids started to join us, one-by-one. "What are ya'll DO-ing?" and then, "Can we help?" They got so excited about picking up and learning what to recycle. When we were finished with the block, they wanted to go on. "We can clean up the whole neighborhood!" "Naw, the whole city!" "The whole world!" As we finished the next strip, a little boy standing on the corner, who looked to be about four, was watching us and heard me telling the kids what to recycle. He said so innocently, "You recyclin' - with a white girl?" I said, "You can help, too!" He said, "Ok, let me go ask my mom!" The kids tried to get everyone who passed on the street to help out. "Now, you KNOW you need to be doin' this," they would say.

Something Heidi Neumark said in her book Breathing Space has clung to me for this year and a half:

"During college, I liked retreats in the country...Cities seemed too noisy, too chaotic. I wanted nature. I wanted intimacy with creation. The desire clung to me stubbornly, like the green cockleburs stuck on my socks and jeans whenever I came home from playing in the woods...It wasn't long before I discovered something. No place on Earth has more nature to offer than what people call the inner city—human nature. Human nature in close urban quarters makes for plenty of intimacy with creation."

These little boys make this neighborhood beautiful to me.

Patio - Final and Finished

2008-08-17T12:16:00.008-04:00

Found wood, leftover field stones, discounted plants from my company's nursery, a bistro set, and a little sun and rain...wa-lah!

View a few more pictures here.

My New Pet

2008-08-10T13:34:00.011-04:00

I have a new little friend in my life, a grasshopper. I'm not sure how he ended up in our urban little patio, but he has found an oasis from the asphalt roads and endless plots of cement. He took up residence over a month ago, and is often hiding in his favorite spot, my lily grass. I know he isn't a typical pet; he is even ugly for a grasshopper (what ARE those bulbous sacks on his back?). I think I'm just fascinated by a creature inhabiting the small flower bed of our concrete lawn for such an extended time.

This morning, I found that he had shed his skin behind the evergreen bush, but I could not find him. Maybe he was just hiding, maybe he finally made his way to an expanse of grass. But he always has a home in our mini garden on the streets of Philadelphia.

My ceiling is pregnant.

2008-07-24T18:22:00.001-04:00

Montana Home Movie

2008-06-29T20:53:00.005-04:00

If you have 10 minutes, take a look at my first home movie, shot in Montana. Most of the "footage" was filmed on a low-quality photo camera. It is pretty fuzzy and lo-fi (and no, we do not have lisps), but here it is!

Montana

2008-06-26T00:48:00.004-04:00

A week ago we returned from Glacier National Park in Montana. I have been putting off writing about the adventure, because the words do not come easily; it was such a big experience. On several different levels, the trip was restful, lighthearted, and other. I can't say that I've ever truly felt "nowhere," but it felt surreal and amazing. And I used to think that Locust Fork was in the middle of just that. Below is a synposis of the days we spent in the park and surrounding areas. To view more pictures, visit our photo site.

Day 1: We hiked on the Sprague Creek trail to Fish Lake. Everyone was in awe of the snow in June; especially those in the party who live further south. Snowballs abounded. After four miles of up-mountain hiking, we reached Fish Lake, a serene destination with lily pads and well...leeches. No swimming in that glacier water!

Day 2: We drove to the other side of the park, East Glacier. As soon as we got out of the car, we were whipped and chilled by the wind. After warming up by the enormous fireplace in the country store, we began our journey around Two Medicine Lake. We hiked in the woods, followed the path through a meadow, and then began the ascent to the lookout. Near the top, not only did we have an expansive view before us, but we saw a mountain goat behind on a rocky cliff.

Day 3: In the morning, we partnered up and went canoeing. Afterwards, we spend the day in the nearby town of Whitefish, shopping, dining, checking out the deserted ski slopes. Upon our return, we drove to Fish Creek and walked the trail until the droves of mosquitoes pushed us back.

Day 4: We drove a long lonely road - passing original log cabins, deer, the charred forests - until we reached Polebridge. We hopped out of the car delighted with its quaintness and grinning at the bakery sign. The bear claw and the jalapeño-cheese bun were the best. Everyone was impressed with the rustic structures and authentic outhouse - complete with reading material and a view to boot. From there, we hiked the muddy path along Bowman Lake. But the most amazing part of the day was our lonely hike to Hidden Meadow. The trail was empty, no one was to be seen, although bears and a mountain lion had been sighted earlier that day. We watchfully walked along singing songs and quoting movies to make our presence known to the wildlife. Once we reached the meadow, we were struck with awe. The prairie dogs greeted us with their chirps - dodging in and out of their holes for homes. Three deer were drinking from the lake. While the men looked for the perfect fishing spot, the ladies just soaked it in. In the middle of nowhere; what a feeling.

Day 5: We saved the last day for the most popular hike, Avalanche Creek Trail. Once we reached Avalanche Lake, we saw exactly what we had been waiting for the whole week. A bear! And across the lake just like we had hoped! We watched him for about an hour until he detected people and retreated into the woods. After that, we continued along the trail until we reached the sign "End of Trail." Sara and Will of course were not deterred. They discovered a steep snowy bank on which we had the ultimate snow-fest. Playing in the snow when its 75 degrees is my kind of winter. Our last big bash was climbing up the side Gunsight Mountain and sliding down in pure form, nothing between us and the snow. It was an exhilarating ending to our unforgettable adventure.

More:

To view more pictures, visit our photo site.

Salt Lake City

2008-06-19T21:26:00.015-04:00

On our way to Montana, we had a five hour layover in Salt Lake City. We decided to make the most of that time by visiting the city. Since Dooce wasn't available, what else was there to see but "The Temple," the Mormon Mecca. We had planned on taking a taxi, but no, there was a free shuttle there courtesy of the Mormons. Every LDS member we encountered was hospitable and warm, but they were very eager to share their religious views. We endured it for the free ride and tour.

Ever since we have watched the movie "Millions," when we think, read or see something about the Latter Day saints, we can't help but say "Mo-mans," in our finest British accent. We said it about 50 times that day.

-Isn't the problem here, that our houses are built on sand?
-Sand? No.
-They're not are they?
-If you store up your treasure on earth it will be stolen. But if you give it away, then it can't be stolen.
-Mormons?

When we walked into to the Mormon Tabernacle (where their well-known choir sings), the Harvard glee club was practicing. That was a genuine treat. What we really want to see sometime is the Great Salt Lake. From the plane window this lake - with fours times the salt of the ocean - was stunning and pure.

Temple:

Our Ride:

Celestial Jesus:

Harvard Glee Club in the Mormon Tabernacle:

Outdoor Collage

2008-06-02T23:01:00.013-04:00

Our first home project is complete! With wood that we scavenged from vacant lots and old construction sites around our neighborhood, we crafted an eco-friendly, decorative wall. Bringing together old and new, the wall is collage of Point Breeze: hundred-year-old support beams, discarded deck material, bed slats, never-used framing pieces, and other boards with their own untold stories.

Though we had our moments, Gene and I both agreed that it was good working on a project together from start to finish. We planned, gathered, sawed and attached every piece until we completed our joint goal of making the outdoor space our own. Now onto the half-bath, the second floor deck, and the garden roof...

Click for more images.

Neighbors

2008-06-02T22:00:00.002-04:00

For two weekends this May, we have been able to spend time with some old "neighbors." And here we are now - new neighbors - both having moved away from our comfy southern lifestyles to find our way in the northeastern corner of the United States. Somehow, the 300-mile breadth seems like right down the road.

More photos:
Boston weekend
Olaria in Philadelphia
McClures' spin

On the St. Charles River in Boston

Amy's Studio

Near the McClures' Apartment

Art Star Craft Bazaar in Philadelphia

Philadelphia: Art Star Craft Bazaar

One year later...

2008-05-13T21:41:00.005-04:00

Three hundred and sixty-five days ago, we pulled into this strange urban landscape, our 26-foot moving truck in tow (yes, literally). It was so different, so not perfect, so disorienting. I remember once in those first few weeks I was home alone, and I heard what I thought was someone jiggling the handle of the outer door. Desperately, I called Gene at work to tell him that someone was trying to break in our house. He was in a meeting, and I was in tears. How could this be happening to me! I was afraid to leave the house for the rest of the day, but when Gene got home, he brought in a package...a package that the mailman had left between the outer and inner doors. It seems so funny now.

Slowly but surely so much has changed...in me. The year has been filled with hiding (above) and discovery, excitement and tears, opportunities and frustration, friendship and separation, hope and pain. Through it all, I can say that there is no other place that I want to be, no other place that I could be.

It is overwhelmingly beautiful to see Spring cycle around again and to be a part of it in a personal way. We have eight baby tomatoes now, and they are our babies. We tenderly care for the them and other plants, checking on them several times a day. The hard shriveled little seeds are sprouting into something other, something that will grow, nourish, and glow. They will produce more seeds that will be cultivated in new places producing more fruit, more joy. These are the seeds that are growing in me.

Spring Walks

2008-05-07T23:56:00.016-04:00

I love walking in the warm weather of Philadelphia. I drive to walk - silly to some - but completely worth it to me. Besides, I'm not really walking for my physical health; I walk for peace, wholeness, joy. A friend of mine commented that walking along the Schuylkill River gives her a feeling similar to being at the beach. Funny, I had had the same thought. My eyes squint through the brightness, soft breezes waft sweet fragrances, everyone is full of vitality...spring...sun. I park at the Art Museum, stroll through the full-spectrummed Azalea Garden in its array of orange, coral, yellow, fuchsia, pink, purple, white. I walk past the old Water Works building and begin the focused path. Everything around me is beautiful. I feel beautiful; I feel at home.

Day at the Nursery

2008-05-04T20:39:00.016-04:00

Sunday morning, Gene and I went on a date to my company's new concept which "transforms the local garden center into an experience that celebrates the beauty and abundance of nature while offering an eclectic mix of garden-inspired products tailored for the contemporary customer." Whew. We trekked out of the city limits to get a glimpse.

We began with brunch in the cafe: Gene got the egg white omelet with goat cheese and asparagus + coffee, I got the challah French toast with kumquats and berries + a cappuccino. Both dishes were delightfully tasty and fun. Eating on a handmade table - next to a living green wall - with sunlight seeping through the bamboo ceiling was an equally enjoyable atmospheric experience.

We started at the "garden barn" and made our way around. Four hours later, we came home with a truck full of plants, hand-picked with the help of a sweet lady who enlightened we urban dwellers. We (me) selected bluish evergreens with boxwood type shrubs, a green and white striped grass, and annuals in the complementary color range of violet and yellow-green - with a little white, too. I can't show you our patio just yet - not quite finished - but I can show you some of our pictures from the venture. Another blogger took more photos of the store.

gene adding it up the total

inspiration: hollowed trunk for a planter (we have the raw materials for this you know)

drinking water our of my jelly jar

our final selects

Urban Greening and such

2008-04-20T14:05:00.010-04:00

Okay, okay, he kicked my butt in the contest. We're going with "Vertical Beams."

The other day, Gene e-mailed me during work: "Boy, have I got a surprise for you!" Boy, wasn't that true. He pulled up with a truck load of - well - big, old sticks. My creative craftsman is going to make some rustic furniture for the patio.

Yesterday, we continued working on the community garden (where Jason's new apartment overlooks, I might add). We are still clearing, weeding and preparing the space, and haven't gotten to do much of the fun stuff yet. On another level, we are planting seeds for the community's trust. I've been working on the perimeter of the garden, so when neighbors walk by they've been talking to me. Most people are excited about what we're doing; some want to be involved again.

It was really special working with four 9 to 10-year-old boys. Most of them were hard-working, mature, and passionate to learn. All day, they begged me to plant our hyacinth bulbs, and when it came time, they shoveled with a dirt-slinging fury. The bulbs may be scattered about in a random haphazard array, but the real beauty is seeing them loving to put their hands in the earth. One kid asked me, "Are you embarassed to be doing this?" "Emabarassed? Why would I be embarrassed?" He said, "I don't know, but I'm not embarrassed. I mean, this is good for nature!"

Mr. Tom was a wonderful neighbor to meet yesterday, as well. This 60-year-old gentleman rode up on his old red and neon-orange cruiser. The neon-orange suspiciously matched a couple of freshly painted rocks in the garden...hum. He told me how much he needs nature in a crowded urban settiing, and that this has been his local place for 7 years. I told him that I liked his bike and that I have an old cruiser, too. He wants to get a group together to do the loop around Fairmount Park. Wouldn't that be a riot! He was kind of like an African American version of Montevallo's Donly Ray. You alums know who I'm talking about (he, too, went a little crazy with a can of purple paint).

The greening of our urban outpost seems less and less about an end and more about a means to building a stronger community.

Patio Design Contest

2008-04-13T19:42:00.009-04:00

Voting HERE is way more important than the Pennsylvania primary.

Life in the Dirt

2008-04-06T21:37:00.009-04:00

On Saturday, our beloved Mayor Nutter sponsored a citywide spring cleaning day: 10,000 volunteers; 5,000 neighborhood blocks; 1 million pounds of trash. We were excited to be involved through our neighborhood association. Many people lined up to receive their gloves, brooms and bags. As we walked back to our block, and a lady from down the street was waiting for us. She and others joined us in our feat.

The best part of my day was making a new friend, Raheem. This eight-year-old little boy walked up to us with his little broom and dustpan in tow. I melted! He followed me around for the remaining time, and I got to show him how you recycle plastic bottles with 1's and 2's on the bottom -- things of that sort. He eagerly searched for recyclables and was excited about picking up the neighborhood. At one point, Gene was reaching for up some empty chip bags, and Raheem said, "Hey! That's mine!" -- he really wanted to help! When we were about to wrap things up, he asked, "can't we clean up the school yard?" George W. Childs Elementary is at the end of our block, so we pick up there, too. I asked him what it was like going to school there. He exclaimed, "I'm the smartest person in my class!"

I asked him if is interested in gardening, and he just shrugged his shoulders. I said, "Well, I'm going to get you to help me with the community garden this summer, okay?" He said, "Okay, but my birthday is August 11, so I can't do it then." Nearing the end he said, "You don't want no candy?" as he laid out his stash on a stair step. "Sure, I'll just take a NowAndLater," I said. Endearingly he said, "You can have the whole pack if you want!" It gave me so much joy to spend time with this sweet little boy as we invested in our neighborhood together. So precious.

The spring project in our home is the beautifying of our back patio. Today, I dug the contaminated dirt from our flowerbed and found all kinds of surprises. A rubber ball, tin cans, lots of concrete bits, a bike chain, a rusty beer can. I also discovered something else - earthworms! I saved them all in a bucket with clean dirt, because they are good for gardens. The other day, Gene and I scavenged wood around the neighborhood because we want to warm up the back wall our patio with the eclectic pieces. We have differing ideas about how we want it to look, so we've decided to have an online contest to see who's design wins (more to come later). Some of our inspiration photos are below.

As the days grow longer and the green begins to sprout, the possibilities for beauty, friendship and change abound!

Welcome Jason!

2008-04-03T22:42:00.007-04:00

We know moving is difficult, but we welcome you with open arms! Gene and I have eight years worth of memories and look forward to creating many more. We hope Philadelphia will become your doce lar.

I can relax now ...

2008-03-30T08:36:00.002-04:00

... my big project is complete. Take a peak.

Ridley Creek State Park

2008-03-15T19:58:00.015-04:00

It was fun having an old friend to visit this weekend - Dorothy and her husband Jere Scott (a newer friend). After a quaint breakfast at Cafe Lutecia and a spin around the city, we dropped them off for their flight south.

Gene suggested we spend the rest of our Saturday afternoon bike riding at Ridley Creek State Park - 30 minutes outside of the city. Have I alluded that biking could replace my long-lost love of swimming? I can own all of the equipment I need, it is practical for transportation, and it makes me feel eleven again.

We arrived at the park, couldn't understand the map, and took it upon ourselves to make the experience into an adventure. We drove in and out of about four picnic round-a-bouts, up and down hills where I had to think of the little engine that could. Finally, we came across the paved trail for bicycling. "Are you having fun?" he asked. I replied with squealing yeses. The path round around a lazy creek was stocked with trout. Remnants of colonial housing lined the way, houses hewn with hands and stones.

And at the end of the day, my pleasant fatigue is rocking me to sleep.

See pictures here and below:

Favorites from the Met

2008-03-12T22:36:00.016-04:00

Last weekend, Gene and I went for a getaway in New York City. We laughed when we thought about how ironic that probably sounds to some, but we enjoyed our time. Below are a few photographs we snapped at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"Tara Donovan is known for working with commonplace manufactured materials such as tape, Styrofoam cups, or drinking straws to create abstract sculptural installations that often take on a biomorphic feel or resemble topographical landscapes." The installation was made with mylar tape. This is why we went to the Met:

I have never been too fond of Lichtenstein, but I can't stop staring through this window.

This is a navigational map found in the Marshall Islands. "Three curved strips possibly represent the patterns of ocean swells." What a springboard for my artwork this could be.

Yes, I still hate birds, but I still can't explain my current nest fetish. This Nest is by Martine Kline.

I have loved Paul Klee since I started loving art. I currently, right this second, just now, realized why I have been addicted to grids for all these years.

This was just fun:

Forgive my crudeness, but someone just HAD to take a picture of this (and I had to post it!):

Life So Far (2008)

2008-02-12T23:43:00.011-05:00

Life so far has been propelled by an exciting - yet frankly tiring - momentum that is only getting more exciting and tiring.

My new position encapsulates so much of what I had hoped. Hands-on, artsy-craftsy projects mingled with delightfully challenging, technical pieces. I'm a rare case; I really enjoy my job and the work culture.

My newish neighborhood association is becoming a vehicle for me to connect with my community as well as a conduit of change. One quarter-mile from our house, we plan to reinvigorate a forlorn community garden. One half-mile away, an urban orchard will be born. As much as I struggle with the brokenness in this place, hope smiles around every corner.

This spring, I am taking a lithography course at Fleisher Art Memorial. There, I will be learning one of the oldest and most profound methods of printmaking, stone lithography. I plan to continue the series that I began last fall, while learning new approaches and techniques. (Learn about lithography. Click on Enter>Lithography>Press Arrow to Start.)

We have a couple visitors on the docket. Amy is gracing me with her presence as we speak! She will be displaying her unique handmade jewelry at the Buyer's Market of American Craft. We are going to have a little trunk show here February 18. Jason will be visiting us next weekend, too. More details here.

First Days

2008-01-04T20:28:00.002-05:00

I started working this week, and let's be honest, I love it so far. I have been eased in to the whims and ways of the brand, and I am taking to it quite nicely. Today, I started helping with a project involving drawing, tracing, cutting and collaging. Though I feel the need to be vague, I want to express that the creative opportunities that I have are so exciting.

Just being in the space is energizing! With the bright hues, fabric swatches and patterned product samples, my eyes are in a visual candy land. My desk faces a large window on the second floor of the old Naval woodworking workshop. It is amazing to think about the layers history enclosed within the walls. Since the office is near the airport, I see planes flying by all day long.

The dining space is large and open, and the food tastes warm and wholesome. I am glad that it is a public eating place. Please join me one day!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

Portland, Maine: Top Ten

2007-12-22T18:12:00.000-05:00

In no particular order:

1. Bangs island mussels from 555
I thought I was just acquiescing to Gene by ordering the mussel appetizer, but after my first hesitant bite, I felt like I was swimming in the ocean. They were so good that my eyes rolled back into my head.

2. Chasing Gene with a 2-foot snowball in New Hampshire
Oh yeah, I had him running. While playing in the snow in a public square in Portland, a local walked and grinned to himself. Seeking to explain our strange behavior I yelled, "We're from the South!" He laughed and said, "Its okay! Just have fun!"

3. Sledding down a hill that had a spectacular view of the ocean
It fast and fun, but the crash and burn really hurt! The teenagers were trying to give us tips.

4. Clam Chowder from Gilbert's Chowder House

5. Free Clydesdale wagon ride
We cozied up and felt the Christmas spirit.

6. The peanut butter fudge, delicious breakfast spread and the whirlpool tub at the Morrill Mansion, a Portland bed and breakfast
Gene booked our last night in Portland at this B&B to celebrate our anniversary; we left wishing we'd stayed there the whole week! So homey and indulgent -- relatively inexpensive, too, this time of year. We were the only ones staying in the whole place!

7. Free tastes from Stonewall Kitchen
I sampled the Maple Pumpkin Butter and Holiday Jam. I didn't leave empty-handed.

8. Loaded potato soup from the Public Market House
I went here every day, even if it was just to look around.

9. Walking on the beach in the snow
I'll take the ocean any time of year.

10. Laughing with my hubby
We enjoyed each other so much. It was nice to have this last little getaway before I re-enter the real world. We both agree that it was the best work excursion yet!

View more pictures.

Winter Stinkin' Wonderland!

2007-12-16T22:42:00.000-05:00

We flew into Manchester, New Hampshire today and planned to drive to on to Portland, Maine for Gene's work trip. (Un)fortunately, we were drowning in snow! Stranded in New Hampshire, we decided to take advantage of the fun outside of our hotel -- I can't believe we were the only ones botching up the perfect powder! We hurled snowballs, made deep dish snow angels and pushed each other into piles of fluffy white. Afterwards, we sipped hot cocoa in the steaming hot jacuzzi tub downstairs. So incredibly fun!

My New Ride

2007-12-12T17:47:00.003-05:00

Really, this picture doesn't do it justice. It is much uglier.

But for $50, I'm pretty proud.

Back to Work

2007-12-07T09:47:00.001-05:00

Some of you know that over the summer, I interviewed with a company here in Philadelphia from June to September. At first I never dreamed that I would even have a chance, but after 3 interviews and 2 projects, I had really invested a lot of time and emotional energy into acquiring the position. But after talking with the sixth (and most important) person in the company, things unraveled and, I did not get the job. I was crushed, but knew that the Lord is all-knowing and loving and was in control the events that unfolded.

I still checked the corporate web site regularly, and when the interactive designer position was posted with a sister company, I contacted HR right away. A few days later, I was scheduled for an interview. I thought the interview went well, but after what happened this summer, I did not know what to expect; ultimately it was in God's hands. I got a couple of positively hinting e-mails from HR in the weeks that followed, but I was formally offered the job three days ago! After I calmly and politely hung up the phone, the jumping, screaming and dancing proceeded.

Of course now it is obvious why I did not get the other job, though I was completely dumbfounded at the time. Over the past few months, I have increasingly warmed up to a full-time position again: the amount of incoming work is up and down, and I realize how much I miss having co-workers! (I miss you EBSCO guys!) Plus, I think this brand and this job description is a better fit for me. They really appreciated my personal artwork, and I think that had a lot to do with the way things played out. There are so many things I am excited about:

being able to use art and design in one place
living 3 miles and 3 subways stops from work
actually working at the Navy Yard
casual dress code
on-site gym and yoga classes
and the discount of course!

I am very thankful for where I am.

Aerial View of the Navy Yard. Yes, the ships are as large the the converted warehouses that are now used as the offices.

First Snow

2007-12-05T16:53:00.001-05:00

We experienced our first Philly snow today! I got a little foggy when I came in from the cold.

Color Theory

2007-12-05T08:49:00.001-05:00

My latest project.

Thanksgiving Highlights

2007-12-04T12:25:00.000-05:00

The obligatory, yet fabulous annual family photo

This special little guy Gus. Finally, someone else to sit at the kid table!

The cousins

In-laws united

Sister and brother at the unofficial House Road river clean-up event

View more photos.

Magic Gardens

2007-11-26T12:06:00.001-05:00

Gene and I love having visitors, because it gives us an excuse to explore our city. We have driven past the Magic Gardens oh so many times, but it was a treat to actually go in with our friends Amanda and Renee. This place really is enchanting. Meandering through the space, you find your way through a maze of glass, concrete, bicycle wheels, broken pottery, action figures, anything discarded and interesting.

In the 1960's, Isaiah Zagar began to transform abandoned warehouses into magical light-flickering spaces. His mosaicing marathon carried from his own apartment, to adjacent buildings and finally throughout the neighborhood.

For $3, I highly recommend! View more photos.

OFFF Top 5's

2007-11-05T07:29:00.001-05:00

This weekend, I attended OFFF, a digital culture festival showcasing talented artists, designers, and digital musicians. To save money and lonlieness, I rode the bus from Philadelphia to New York every day for three days. Though that was an exhausting experience, I am so glad that I went. New York is just an incredible place.

My "Top 5's" are below. More highlights from the festival will follow.

TOP 5 CREATIVES

TOP 5 KEY WORDS

SMS: "short message serivce;" used in the Guerrilla Projector, Tool for Armchair Activists, and See My Store
generative design: the computer becomes the designer, creating images and forms by parameters set in code; used in White Flower
sponsored art: more creative and opened creative work paid for by a business; used in Blue
experiential design: a spacial, emotional, and interactive experience of design; seen at Wired's NEXTFEST
rapid prototyping: simply put a 3-D printer; see the Commonwealth/Joshua Davis collaboration

Dealing with Disconnectedness

2007-10-22T07:48:00.002-04:00

My next art series is going to deal with issues, arenas, and devices that we deal with here in our neighborhood: respect, image, blame, anger, neglect, apathy, motivation, necessity, skepticism, services, finances, ingenuity. I'm anxious and excited about continuing my printmaking work at Fleisher Art Memorial. Though I suffer a lack of confidence and motivation sometimes, it really is uniquely wonderful having access to a workshop. I took these pictures of power lines on my street yesterday to begin the work.

When we bought this house, I posted beautiful pictures of our home's interior. I was hiding the shame I felt for living in Point Breeze. But the more I am honest with myself, I am as broken and dysfunctional as this place. I belong here.

When I begin to deal with a particular subject in my artwork, my emotional core invades. I stare something in the face for months on end and am forced to reckon with my reality. I can't hide from my feelings. I can't hide from the truth. I am looking forward to engaging this series; I hope it helps me deal with my disconnectedness.

I found these interesting photo essays of Philadelphia neighborhoods. This is what it looks like living in Point Breeze.

Pittsburgh

2007-10-20T12:00:00.001-04:00

PITTSBURGH:
city of bridges,
land of three rivers,
steel town,
Birmingham of the North?

Birmingham is often compared to Pittsburgh because of the steel industry that supported the city years ago. Though we didn't see too many similarities this week, we had fun stretching the comparison. Pittsburgh is surrounded by mountains; Birmingham has Red Mountain. People seem to eat well. There are a lot of trees in both cities. We heard somebody say "y'all."

This trip, I had a little more free time than usual, so I danced all around town. My first stop was the Bodies Exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center. I discovered this exhibit after its tenure was over in Atlanta, so I was thrilled to find that it was in Pittsburgh. As you walk through, various body parts and systems are displayed using real cadavers. I live in this dichotomy were medical procedures simultaneously fascinate and nauseate me, and I experienced both as I walked through.

In Pittsburgh, three waterways come to a point: the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. Many wide walking paths line the water, and I spent a lot of time strolling there. In this "city of bridges," there are over 400 of them; many are painted in a unifying yellow hue.

One afternoon, Gene and I visited the Mattress Factory, "a museum of contemporary art that presents art you can get into — room-sized environments, created by in-residence artists." In essence, installation art. We both really enjoyed experiencing the work; it was so different from simply staring at a flat frame. There was an element of surprise and discovery in every room. One interesting piece was Danaë by James Turrell. You take the elevator to the second floor, where minimal light greets you. Walking into a dark room, you are told to move slowly towards the big blue rectangle. Once your nose nearly touches the form, you are abruptly brought into a new realization. I slowly put my hand through the light and there was a world beyond, for this was not a projection on a wall, but a completely new space. Visiting the Mattress Factory inspired me to think about making an installation in my own house.

Later that afternoon, we rode on the Duquesne Incline (doo-cane). We rode in a little car from the top of a mountain to the bottom and up again; this was reminiscent of Chattanooga for me. We were actually the only tourists in the car. Most people seemed to use it as part of their public transportation routine.

We stayed in Oakland, where many of the area universities are. At the University of Pittsburgh (affectionately "Pitt"), the architecture was breathtaking. I visited the Heinz Memorial Chapel and marveled at the woodwork and stained glass detail.

As far as food goes, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (see the result). The first night, we ate 17th Street Cafe, a homey restaurant with a lot of class. The next night, we ate at Kassab's Lebanese where the grape leaf wraps were so flavorful and the hummus as good as any. Our last night, we enjoyed sangrias and tapas from Ibiza. The flavors were so unexpected an tasty. I also spent a lot of time reading, researching, thinking and writing at Crazy Mocha: delicious coffee, free wireless, and a darn cute goat logo.

Pittsburgh was a fun city to explore. I highly recommend! Take a peek at our pictures.

Fat and Ugly

2007-10-19T22:52:00.001-04:00

The price we have to pay for living here. READ MORE.