Tall Tales from Kansas

thinking back on, and looking forward to a pleasant experience

The annual poinsettia acquisition has been pulled off.  Without a hitch.  

I almost went for the subtle variegation and pinkish quality of the one above, but you know in the end the bright, bold, red won me over. 

Does this mean I am a purist at heart? Or would traditionalist be a better choice of words? 

While shopping for the poinsettia, I did not get the wreath above, nor the bowl below but will have one more opportunity next weekend at the holiday farmers market. They both are so lovely, and both vendors will be there (I think).

Other holiday events have included the annual Quail Christmas Soiree that involves a gift exchange of sorts.  This year we were challenged to select a gift that began with the letter "N" and in case you are wondering what starts with an "N" that is “Christmassy” -  Jamie is modeling the NIGHTCAP that she received. 



There may have been a smoked old fashioned to start the festivities off. Cocktails did not need to start with an N but if pushed, orange in Spanish is naranja, and yes that is a slice of peel used for garnish. 

My other holiday gathering happened with the Huffs for lunch in Lawrence, where the only gifts exchanged were the pleasure of good company, wonderful stories, and some amazing Brussels sprouts. You really should try them at Merchants Pub and Plate on Massachusetts street. At the very end of our meal we scheduled our next visit - thus extending the good vibe out into the space/time continuum. Thinking back on, and looking forward to a pleasant experience hardwires it into our brains. I just read about that. 



Permanently altering my mental circuits to make them less vulnerable to attacks by outside sources as well as my own worries and doubts is my new therapy. It can be challenging. Luckily there are poinsettia's, quails, and Huffs. 

the benefits of connecting with nature

For me, a little solitude in the woods, is the perfect antidote to the excesses of the season.  Open 24/7. Free for all, no coupons needed. No signs or flashing lights.

The Japanese practice of forest bathing is rooted in the benefits of connecting with nature. In the woods we breathe in phytoncides which boosts our immune system... and that is GOOD medicine.  Enough said. 

something for everyone at Bizarre Bazaar

It's been good to see the return of some of Lawrence's holiday events this year. Crossing my fingers that they are able to continue through this month of December. 

Bizarre Bazzar is always a favorite and I was delighted to see the amazing work of Liza MacKinnon - who had the paper dresses on display earlier this year at the library. The 3 dimensional sculptures are something to see. Delicate but sturdy - breathtaking. 

Her hat... what can I say? 



The attention to scale and detail is precise. I did not ask her but I bet she "played dolls" when she was a kid like no other. 

It's hard not to resist a clever magnet but I did not get the one for Chris that I wanted to.  You know which one. However, if I had been reading them all closely I would have absolutely gotten "Pam Demic" for Pam. 

Yes, there will be a Dolly Parton angel on my tree this year. Thank you Jeannette Bryant for this. 

Cards from Angie Pickman of Rural Pearl studio were stocked up on. Plus a sticker from my new everyday journal. I LOVE her style, colors, composition.



Jenny Allen's textile art was new to me. So imaginative. 





This woman's beadwork was spectacular, I thought the pencil art was so clever - who doesn't love a pencil? And finally one of my favorites is always the recycled sweater creations. Fingerless mitts and head bands are a must for walks. 







Something for everyone at Bizarre Bazaar. Do tell, what sorts of artistic events like this are happening in your hometown?

still not sure of the fate of a character I was quite invested in

It's been a few years since I last read one of Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole detective stories. They tend to be gruesome, anxiety producing, and keep me on the edge of my seat. So why did I decide I needed to try another one? Well I was at the library, with nothing I had reserved for listening yet available, and The Police jumped out at me from the shelves. Plus, we have a history together, Harry and I ... and you know how that goes. 

So, despite that fact that my hand was over my mouth on multiple occasions while listening (as if that could keep the bad stuff from happening), listen I did, from beginning to end. Whew.  It's a doozy. With lots of red herrings and several occasions when I had myself convinced that Harry had actually died. Right up until the end I did not know how things would end. AND I will say now that I have finished, I am still not sure of the fate of a character I was quite invested in. Which means that yes, I am going to have to get the next one in the series. 

Recommended, but not for the faint of heart, or those who tend to startle easily. 

it might involve cars and the blessing of them

Before we get too far removed from Thanksgiving, I want to report that writing out things we were thankful for, on a pumpkin, with a sharpie, on turkey day, was a fun activity. Make yourself a note to get one next year for your gathering. I will also say that it's a tiny bit harder than it looks like it should be, what with the ridges and all to work around. 

If there would have been enough space, I would have added "the way the light looked on this grass head that has gone to seed", alas, there was not. So I just took a picture.

P.S. there is a good story that goes with the "holy water" notation on the pumpkin. A story that Angie would most definitely approve of. It might involve cars and the blessing of them before trips. 

I never use more than one cup in the morning

It's been awhile since I posted a totally unconnected series of photos, where I try my best to tie them together into a central theme, complete with characters and a plot line you can follow from beginning to end.  So let me give it a go, pay attention or you will get lost. 

This is really good pear I ate for breakfast sometime in the last month.

It may have been the same day that this book cover caught my eye at the library. It seems like something I should check out, but at the time I was headed out the door.

Probably on my way to take this walk and I wanted to get going before the light changed, or it got too hot or too cold.

For sure it wasn't this day because there is no pear in the bowl with the blueberries and bananas on top of the oatmeal. But I took this picture to tell you that oatmeal season was HERE and obviously it still is. Remember if you have leftover cranberries they are really good on oatmeal. 

I was so invigorated after this breakfast that I finished the scarf pictured below. I got in such a toot to finish it in fact, that even though I ran out of yarn when I was binding off, I carried on anyway, using one of the other colors in the scarf which you can barely see in the right bottom corner. Epic fail. I knew it would bug me forever so I ended up ripping it out. The moral of that story is listen to your gut when it tells you something is a bad idea. 

Actually, as I think on it further this was not the day I ate the oatmeal because the coffee cup is different in the second photo. I never use more than one mug in the morning unless I drop and break the first one, and I still have both of these. 

The END. 

This post has no sequels.

I promise. 

very different ways to look at the world and ultimately to make a meaningful life

A few nights ago I read the last pages of Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. Over several months, a chapter or two (and sometimes more) a night, I have been savoring the story of Sunja and her life in Korea and Japan. The story begins in 1910 in Korea and follows the main character as she leaves for Japan to begin a life with her new husband, who has agreed to marry her though at the time they meet she is pregnant with another man's child. 

They have many struggles as they cope, trying to make a life in Japan, where Koreans are/were looked upon as foreigners and discriminated against.  The story moves at a good pace, sometimes skipping years at a time though this does not feel disorienting at all. It allows us to get to know Sunja's sons and experience what it is like for them in Japan. Through the stories of the son's we see different ways to look at the world, and ultimately to live a meaningful life. No matter what your dreams may have been or how/where you thought you would end up in the world. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it highly. It has made me want to know more about Korean and Japanese culture. When I was telling a friend about this book she recommended The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka. Has anyone read it? 

Cori has gaming in her blood

Thursday morning every water goblet and wine glass at tall tales headquarters was washed in anticipation of the global wine tasting that we decided should be a part of Thanksgiving dinner this year.  At the end of the night, every glass was washed again and now it seems like it would be a shame not to use them all again very soon, before they build up a layer of dust between uses.

Same with all the eating utensils.



I like setting a table, using the tableware and linens that has been gifted or entrusted to my care by all the members of the family who came before me and cared about such things.

Getting out the cranberry dish and the gravy bowl that to the uninitiated eye would look like something picked up at a garage sale. 



Or the glass pitcher that Aunt Critch gave me sometime in the late 90's that she said had belonged to her mother. The one that I wrapped carefully and carried on the plane from her house on South Daisy avenue in Pasadena. 



We had a lovely time celebrating together, a smaller group than normal, but it felt BIG. James made the cranberries this year and will now be required to bring this recipe annually.  Dan remains the supreme ruler of the rolls. Tom and Jan can not be replaced in the salad arena. My new recipe for Brussels sprouts was just so-so and will not make a return appearance. Chris made his best stuffing yet and Ann, as usual, pulled out all the stops in the dessert arena - pumpkin pie, apple pie and fruitcake that was full of nuts and fruits but not the usual candied fruits. So, so, so, good. 

Trivia games were played, Farkle was introduced to new players, who by the way, beat the pants off the old players by scoring 1500 points right out of the gate on the first roll.  Cori has gaming in her blood. Stories were told, memories re-played, and before you know it the day was at an end. There were not visions of sugar plums dancing in my head as I drifted to sleep, but the pumpkin spice whipped cream definitely made a showing.

no reason not to cover all my bases

A few of the Thanksgiving preparations taking place around here include the following.

Final menu decisions being made. 

Garlands hung.



Shakers washed and filled with fresh salt and pepper. 

Windows washed.

Holiday doo-dads dug out of the basement.

I found a penny in the parking lot of the grocery store and picked it up the other day. Angie always picked up the stray coin. "Find a penny, pick it up, all the day you'll have good luck". I am carrying it around in my pocket with the hopes that we will have a new water heater installed before Thanksgiving. Not generally one to believe in superstitious practices, I see no reason not to cover all my bases. In the meantime, Chris and I have perfected the art of heating water on the stove for bathing, hair washing, and doing the dishes. Mustering through adversity builds character. 

to explore, see, smell, hear

Sandwiched between atmospheric images of trees, sky, and clouds, on this recent walk, there were also leaves, water, paths, unusual berries on a vine, and one special sign. Affixed to a post. Meant for anyone who took the time to see it.

For the ability to get out into the world, to explore, see, smell, and hear, I am most grateful.