Tall Tales from Kansas

if Judy Kay would have narrated Proof of Heaven and I had listened to it instead of reading it on my iPad

I am on a mission to tie up loose ends around here.  To that end I would like to give a full accounting of finished things you might be interested in. 

Item #1 is "Proof of Heaven". 

Have you read it?  It caught my eye after I had a patient tell me about a near death experience he had when he was 9 years old.  I am going to cut right to the chase and tell you that it was not a compelling read.  BUT I was comparing it to sitting by the bed of a man who was dying as he told me how he was not scared to die because he had been there before and  knew he had nothing to fear.   The simplicity of my patient's story captivated me in a way that the science and details of Eben Alexander's experience did not.  I know.  It's not a fair comparison.  I'm just saying. 

Item #2 is this summer dishrag I finished knitting.  It was also better than Proof of Heaven.

Item #3 is this audio book I started AND finished in a little over a week.  It's one of those books you plow through because you can't wait to figure out who did it.  I enjoyed it thoroughly and hope the author writes more stories for this very likable main character.  Did I mention it's read by Judy Kay?

Judy Kay is the voice of Kinsey Milhone in Sue Grafton's "alphabet series".  Judy Kay can make any story better with her fabulous reading voice.  Come to think of it, if Judy Kay would have narrated Proof of Heaven and I had listened to it instead of reading it on my iPad I probaby would have liked it.   Seriously. 

flower power bath tub planters and driftwood crabs with headlight eyes

Wednesday on my way home from the library I went home a different way and discovered a gold mine.

It isn't on every stroll through town you see license plate gates or toasters and tricycles hanging from trees. 



Not to mention flower power bath tub planters and driftwood crabs with headlight eyes.

And don't get me started on the typewriter pendants and the singer sewing machine.

Yard art heaven.  Right here in Lawrence.  I am adding it to the list of "things to show people who come to visit from out of town".   If you want to see it and I'm not around, it's on Maine street between 6th and 9th street.   The subtle placement of the re-purposed statue of the golfer who had lost his club was my personal favorite... but believe me, there IS something for everyone here. 

if you went to a pot luck dinner in the basement of the united methodist church in solomon kansas

Last weekend I was flipping through an old book of recipes that I got right after we were married.  There were lots of things I haven't made in years.   When I saw the recipe for "Jane's Delight" I decided it was time to make it and see if it still tasted as good as I remember.

I don't know who Jane is and I don't know if the "delight" is a play on Turkish delight or anything about the origins of the name for this dessert. 

What I do know is it was good then, and it's still good now.  It's creamy and dreamy and it's something you might be offered if you went to a pot luck dinner in the basement of the United Methodist Church in Solomon Kansas.

Don't serve it to any fussy gourmet guests.  They would not appreciate the down home goodness of a dessert with cool whip and instant pudding.  Reserve this for the friend with taste discriminating enough to recognize the complexities in flavor brought about by the layering technique. 

digging for discarded Q-tips to decimate

Green beans come in a distant second to the Q-tip as being a really fun thing for a cat to play with.

But when the bathroom trash is put up high so Lewis can't go digging for discarded Q-tips to decimate ... well a cat's gotta do what a cat's gotta do. 

they could march right up and perform in bare feet

 

The Kansas state fiddling and picking contest was held this past weekend in Lawrence.  We stopped by to have a listen.  August in the park, under the shade of some big old trees, listening to music.  As Ray Moss would say... you can't beat that with a stick.

We were not the only ones out enjoying the day.   Did I mention there was no admission fee?  

My hands down favorite part of the day was watching the youth fiddling competition.

The kids I watched were great AND they looked like they were enjoying themselves.  I loved that they could march right up and perform in bare feet and a t-shirt or their fanciest skirt and barette.  If I had a child I would take them right down to the fiddling and picking school and get them enrolled.  I can't remember when I have ever been as completely delighted by a group of performers.      

one entry is better than none

Today I took note of the status of the plants in the garden.   Sort of a last ditch effort to make at least one entry in my garden journal this year. 

Geraniums, holly, hostas, oxalis, japanese maple, zinnias ... all looking remarkably well, thanks to a cooler than normal August.   I am putting in a request for all Augusts in the future to follow suit. 

important discussions abound at the market

Here is my haul from the farmers market today: 
1.  Green beans for dinner tonight to go along with rice and pork chops.  That was on the menu 7 years ago when Chris cooked the first meal in our new house.  It's become an annual tradition on this weekend in August.
2.  Kale to go in a breakfast casserole per specific request from Angie.
3.  Fingerling potatoes.
4.  Lemon cucumbers - say what?  Never heard of them before.  Going to slice them up to eat with hummus for lunch next week. 

As I passed these two fellows today the younger one was remarking "I think I petted more dogs than you today, how many did you pet?"   Important discussions abound at the market. 

Space ship pajama boy  (from last week) brought his super hero cape with him today.  I don't know his name yet, but I think by next week we might get on a first name basis. 

Tuberose was my choice in the bouquet category today.  Lordy they do smell good.  Tuberose where have you been all my life and why did it take me so long to discover you? 

my hands do not always do what my brain tells them

I really, really, really, want to start a new needlepoint project.  But I have decided to be firm with myself and insist that this embroidery project get completed first. 

With that in mind I got out the floss box and set about remembering where I was. 

I did some stem stitch ...

and some blanket stitch ...

and some other moves like bullion knots and satin stitch.

Thank goodness for guides AND on-line video tutorials when I needed more than a picture to understand where the needle was supposed to go in and come out.  Not to mention carrying the thread below the needle and putting something through a loop.  

If you are an embroidery expert please don't look too closely at my work.  My spirit is very willing but my hands do not always do what my brain tells them.  They have always been that way. 

P.S.  That cute Rebecca Ringquist has just released a sequel to this sampler.  I am telling you right now I am not going to order it until I have that needlepoint rabbit I just ordered completed.  I am not I am not I am not....

the most perfect medium-sized vase

Hello Thursday.  Even though you are not Friday I celebrated you today with a three-quarters-of-the-way-through-the-week bouquet from my very own zinnia patch.  I threw in a touch of  eucalyptus and thyme for good measure.

I put these upstairs in my art room because the upstairs of a house needs flowers too. 

Isn't this the most perfect medium-sized vase you have ever seen?  I got it at Thistle when I was in the River Market area in Kansas City last month.  I love every single solitary thing about it.  It isn't Fiestaware or Luray Pastels but it reminds me of that type of pottery.  It has U.S.A. on the bottom of it.  I know one of you will chime in and tell me what it is.  Right?

the world is not a wish granting factory

This story begins at a support group meeting in the literal heart of Jesus.  It is about Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters.   There is also a vital cast of supporting characters.  You should most definately read it.

I was knocked over by the brilliance of some of the lines in the book.   This one has been recorded in my brain so I can replay it when I am disappointed by small things that don't go my way ... "the world is not a wish granting factory."   There are very few books I read a second time simply for the beauty of the language.  This little gem will be one of those. 

Then I had to go and buy 3 "new" books because Lisa told my sister about them and even though I already knew about Maira Kalman, I did not have any books with her illustrations and I got all of these used at Amazon for a few bucks each!   Do you suppose Strunk & White will have a cure for my run-on sentence affliction?

Who would not want to read about commonly misused words and expressions while viewing drawings like this to drive home the point?

I rest my case. 

the border that kept all that goodness contained so perfectly

When I saw this quilt hanging up in Sara's Fabrics the other day I just stared.  I really wanted to pull up a chair and just sit and look at it for a few hours.  I asked if I could borrow it for a few days.  To hang up in my art room.  For inspiration.  They very nicely said they were not in the quilt-loaning business. 

It doesn't help that I happen to love the combination of pink and orange in any and all shades that fall within the spectrum of those colors.   What truly caught my attention and kept me staring though was that background of interwoven browns, blacks, grays and whites.  Who figured out how to put all those together in such a pleasing way?   

And I haven't even mentioned the dots, lines, squiggles and the border that kept all that goodness contained so perfectly. 

I for one think quilters are some of the greatest artists there are.  I bow down to the creator of this quilt.   It is simply spectacular. 

bluebirds and ribbons and flowers

Each week I think the flowers I have gotten at the farmers market are the BEST I have gotten so far.  This past Saturday was no different.  Zinnias and basil are a winning combination. 

The beauty of the bunch on my table right now is accented especially well by my new table runner.   Orange zinnia's plus the orange crocheted edge = synchronicity. 

I picked up this table runner at an antique store in North Lawrence on Friday.   I am always on the lookout for table linens.  A stain here or there does not bother me a bit. 

Joan saw this first and I wrestled her to the ground and snatched it away.   I love picking up pieces that have been patiently hand stitched.  Relative or stranger, the care that went into that stitching is all the same to me.    Bluebirds and ribbons and flowers.  Sigh. 

I need some twisties real bad

Saturday night, 9:30pm, Lawrence Kansas.

Ring ring....

Me:  Hello?

Angie:  Carol I need you to get something for me.

Me:  Ok, what do you need?

Angie:  I need some twisties real bad.  Can you get some at the store and bring them to me?

Me:  I'll see what I can do.

Angie:  They are by where you get the vegetables at the store.  Just pick me up some.  I really need them.

Angie is going to owe Chris who dutifully picked up about 20 twisties or so on Sunday.  He put them in the bag with the potatoes.  No questions were asked at the check out.   Angie has asked for rubber bands and paper clips before, but this is a first for twisties.  She likes to be sure that items, once secured in a bag, do not come out. 

if you feel like coming to the market in your blue pajamas with space ships on them

I see this lady every week at the farmers market.  She is always working on something in between answering a question or making a sale.  Today was no different. 

I got up my nerve and moved in closer to see exactly what she was making.   

She is doing needlework on linen that will become sachets filled with her dried lavendar.   I'm not sure why I didn't recognize her before.   I bought some of the sachets at the Christmas Farmers market last year as presents.    I of course kept one for myself and it is in my scarf drawer.   I am in awe of her ability to stitch such intricate, beautiful designs and run a booth at the market simultaneously.   Note to self... get some more of these for presents this year. 

Looking at these lovely tomatoes makes me want to cook some pasta tonight and dress it lightly with olive oil, a touch of garlic, halved multi-colored grape tomatoes, basil, shaved pecorino romano, and salt and pepper.   The taste of Spoleto.  I wonder where I can get my hands on some strangozzi? 

Finally, just in case you were wondering, anytime you feel like coming to the market in your blue pajamas with space ships on them... it's okay.  I personally was relieved to know a precedent had been set because I have wanting to do this myself and didn't know how it would go over.    No one batted an eye.  

she pretended not to hear me

Exploring  was on the agenda today in Lawrence.  We poked around in a few antique stores in North Lawrence and then had lunch at Wheatfields - salads with peaches, bacon, cornbread croutons and bourbon vinaigrette.  

There was a lot of lingering over coffee and lunch.  We had things to talk about.  Joan is finishing up the last of the creation series needlepoint collection.   Holy smokes they are beautiful!  We discussed how she should frame and display them.  I told her I thought they would probably look best in my house.   She pretended not to hear me.   I guess that means I will have to attempt my own needlework project. 


One of my favorite moments of the day was when this woman came out of her store and said (in the most delicious Indian accent) "is there something going on, I have seen several people walking by with cameras?"  I assured her that we were all looking for the cutest person in Lawrence and lucky for me I had just found her.

the best note pad ever

Any list makers out there? There is nothing so satisfying as writing out a nice list and then crossing every single item off. I have heard there are people who put items on their list they have already done just so they can mark them off.

The only thing better than making a list, is making a list on a pretty note pad. Even better than that is when you have what you think is the BEST note pad ever and you find another that you like equally well or even a squinch better. I am in serious love with my Rifle Paper Company note pads.

Today I accomplished all the things on my list. When I got home however, I realized that I had one chore that I forgot to put on the list. "Try out bottle of Missouri wine".



I am taking care of that little bit of business as we speak.

a nice adjunct to the "let's move" initiative

Dottie drove back through town this week and stopped by for a visit.  I decided it was the perfect time to resurrect an old tradition. 

The "sitting around in the afternoon at 3pm having a hot beverage and a nice simple piece of lemon pound cake" tradition.  

It's not really a tradition but don't you think it should be?   We Moss girls discussed it and think the  benefits of English tea followed by a cat nap each and every afternoon has the potential to improve the health status of the nation.  We sent an e-mail to Michelle Obama and told her we thought it would make a nice adjunct to the "Let's Move" initiative.   I'm fairly confident she will be calling soon to get our ideas and how it could be implemented. 

the next time I go it will be to order the exact same thing I had today

I met my writing partner Nancy downtown on Massachussets street this morning.  

I had been wanting to try out The Roost.  A new breakfast/lunch spot.  Not because someone had written a good review of their maple bacon biscuit.  Seriously, that was not the reason I suggested we go there.   

We went because I had peeked in the window and knew they had some decent sized tables to spread all our stuff out on, and a reliable source informed me their coffee was great. 

Their cinnamnon rolls looked good, but I am only tempted by Dan Mulvenon's cinnamon rolls so I did not get one of those. 

They served my cappuccino in a tall glass just like the galão at the Kaffeehaus in Lisbon where my sister and I sat and ate our apfelstrudel for breakfast on a Sunday in August of 2009.  

In case you were wondering, the maple bacon biscuit was tender and light with a very fine coating of a sweet maple glaze that did not detract from the crispy exterior of the biscuit.  Furthermore it was one of the best "pastry" breakfasts I have ever had in my entire life.  It was a perfect pairing with my over-indulgent 16 oz cappuccino in a tall glass.    AND the next time I go it WILL be just to order the exact same thing I had today.   Because something that good bears repeating.   

I did what any self-respecting person would do

I am a fan of balsamic vinaigrette.  Add leafy green or red leaf lettuce, some goat cheese, a few raisins (or pears), and toasted chopped walnuts and you have the makings of a perfect salad.  A few weeks back , after I had the table set and the aforementioned salad all ready to go, I went into the pantry to get out another bottle of Newmans Own Balsamic Vinaigrette (it has been my go-to brand for awhile) and there was none to be found.  After a mini-meltdown I did what any self respecting person would do.  I made my own. 

Here is the recipe: (from The Kitchn)
2 T honey, 1 T dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 crushed clove garlic.  Mix the honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic together to combine.  Add the balsamic vinegar and whisk together, then gradually add the oil as you continue to whisk until fully emulsified.

This stuff is wonderfully glossy and not at all oily tasting.  It coats the lettuce beautifully without leaving it drippy or wet.  Plus, it doesn't separate out once it has emusified.  Keeps well in the refrigerator for weeks.  

Move over Paul Newman.  You have been replaced. 

this combination spoke to me

When I take pictures of people at the farmers market I form stories in my head about who they are.  Things like what their houses look like, and if they have a round wooden table in a  farmhouse kitchen ... or maybe a banquette tucked into a kitchen on the 3rd floor of a Victorian that has been converted into apartments.   

Just random thoughts like that.  

My bouquet of flowers this week was a combination of coxcomb, peppers, zinnias, and unknown white and green foliage.   I don't usually love coxcomb, but for some reason this combination spoke to me.  I always listen when flowers speak to me. 

extremely important puttering around

Scenes from Friday night at Tall Tales headquarters.  Engaging in extremely important puttering around that is a vital part of each and every weekend.  

P.S.  Angie wants you all to know that her microwave clock situation has been corrected.  She's inventive when it comes to finding ways to fix problems.   

have you ever tried to talk someone through how to reset the time on their microwave?

In addition to drawing my Tombo markers, eating peachy crumb breakfast cake, and fielding calls from Angie about her microwave, I have been messing around in my pattern book this week. 

Have you ever tried to talk someone through how to reset the time on the microwave when you don't know exactly what the buttons on their microwave say or how they are configured?  Oh, and add the challenge of their phone cutting out so you sometimes only hear every 5th word they are saying?  

Well try it sometime and then you will appreciate fully the therapeutic value of making dots,  drawing flowers, and coloring in a pattern book.  

the perfect puffy, chewy, salty, nutty, savory bed for a baked egg

Sometimes on the weekend I really, really, really, want an egg with a soft yolk snuggled on top of something yummy and green.  But I also want to sit on the front porch, take a walk, go to the market,  and play in my art room.   This week I figured out how it is possible to have your eggs and eat them too.

Enter baked eggs florentine.  I made the recipe below - and only baked one egg in one ramekin.  I put 4 other containers of the florentine mixture in individual cups in the freezer and the next time I want a baked egg the majority of the work will be done. 

I followed the cooking (and resting) times in the recipe and things turned out blissfully well.   This was the perfect puffy, chewy, salty, nutty, savory bed for a baked egg.   

If Kansas fell off the map overnight, and sharing this recipe was the last thing I did on earth, I will not have lived in vain. 

it keeps her on her toes

When my sister was here last week we talked about the need to resume Sketchwars Wednesdays.   We agreed that for this week we would start by drawing a simple lamp from somewhere in our respective houses. 

But tonight I decided my markers needed to be drawn.

So I sketched them out real quick like, took some pictures, and sent her an e-mail to let her know I changed the rules.  She likes it when I do that.  It keeps her on her toes.

Next week you can pick what we draw Sister.  I promise not to argue or whine about it.  Not even one little bit. 

don't hold your breath

Sharon mentioned a while back that I ought to try the peach crumb bars that she and her sister think are peach perfection.    Since Angie said she wanted to taste them I made a batch with the peaches from the farmers market last Saturday.   

I followed the recipe as written except I used 1/2 cup of sugar in the peach filling instead of the full cup called for.   I like my peach treats a little bit on the tart side. 

The verdict?  Good to the last bite.   You will understand if you make it.  I am changing the name to peachy crumb breakfast cake.   I had it for breakfast today.  I am taking it for breakfast tomorrow.  Truth be told I am having it for my morning meal every day this week.   I will let you know if I get tired of it by Friday.  Don't hold your breath. 

 

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my new career in raccoon portraiture

Saturday, I began my new career in raccoon portraiture.   I am not sure I will be able to make a living at it, but I am certainly going to give it my all. 

Since my sister left I have been working fast and furious in my smallish pattern book.    Filling up pages and trying NOT to think too much.    Dabble.  Sketch.  Cut.  Paste.  Color.

Have you heard of Nate Williams?  If not get yourself on over and check out his stuff.   My sister told me about him yesterday and last night I carefully observed his work, trying to get inside a mind that could come up with the things he puts down on paper. 

I went to sleep dreaming of colors and papers and letters and paint... and that my friends is a very good thing. 

P.S.  we'll let you know when the raccoon t-shirts are ready for sale.

the health benefits of brewers yeast

Cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes, peaches, flowers, and most of all ... people.   Interesting people, cute people, happy people.   That is what I saw at the farmers market today. 

I was not close enough to overhear what these 2 farmers market regulars were talking about.   I thought I heard something about the health benefits of brewers yeast but I could be mistaken. 

Hmmm.  Now what shall I make with these peaches?

I have fallen down the rabbit hole

It was dark this morning on the way to the airport.  It was also raining cats and dogs.  Sister said with a hint of panic in her voice, "you don't have to drive so fast, the roads are wet!"  In an attempt to distract her I said "what time will you get home?"  She covered her face with her hands as I passed a semi going 69.5 miles per hour and said "10:30... if I survive this ride and am able to actually get on the plane." 

After I dropped her off (safely) at the airport, I met my other sister for coffee.  Dottie thinks I am a very good driver in both rain and snow.    She showed me the million and one fabulous photos she took of our great nieces and nephews last week.  We agreed that all 4 are way above average and already displaying signs of being gifted (like their 3 great aunts parents). 

On the way home it quit raining.  I stopped to take a photo of hay bales in a field.  Because I am a very safe driver, I put on my emergency flashers before getting out of the car. 

By 11:30 am the rain was gone.   In typical Kansas fashion we had moved from rain, to overcast, to blue skies all in the course of a few hours. 

It is now 8:10pm and I think it might be trying to rain again.  I am cleaning up the art room.   I decided to take all my markers out of boxes so I can see them better while I am working. 

In my attempts to find illustrations of raccoons so I can practice drawing them I have fallen down the rabbit hole that is Pinterest.  Heeeeeeeeeeelp! 

they put in a nickel and I sing a little song

Right after work I dashed over to pick up my sister and we came straight home.  As we ran up the stairs we told Chris we would just eat in the art room while we worked in our books.   I had a bicycle to draw.  Mary Ann had a raccoon to work on. 

Then we started humming Melanie songs from the 70's.   If you haven't heard the nickel song for awhile (or if you have never heard of it all) please go and listen.  Maybe it will help explain these journal pages. 

I am going to go to bed right now and then get up in the morning and draw raccoons like this one my sister did.  Then as soon as I perfect my technique I am going to quit my job and become a raccoon portrait painter.