Tall Tales from Kansas

the opportunities for photos are endless

Labor Day weekend is typically the time to see sunflower fields in full splendor here in Kansas.  There was some worry that this year would be a bust because it's been so dry, but a few good downpours in the last month seemed to have set things right.    

 

Chris and I made our way out to one of the fields closest to us recently to check things out.  

There is something about seeing all these specimens en masse that makes you smile.

Seriously, you can't help yourself.

As you might suspect, the opportunities for photos are endless. 

We of course availed ourselves of the opportunity.  

 I like that they supplied a saw for the "cut your own corn for fall yard decoration" option that you could participate in.  

This field had some very tall specimens growing, as well as a shorter variety with multiple flowers on each plant.  There were also some medium tall sunflowers with big giant heads.   

I love them all.   Even if I can't tell you their real names.  

P.S.  If you live close to Lawrence, this field is at 923 E. 1450 Road, Lawrence.   The field you hear about more often in the area is Grinter's Sunflower Farm - it is located at 24154 Stillwell Road, Lawrence.  We haven't been there this year so can't speak to what is happening there.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

...central to the story is the concept of the "whole" versus individual members

You are going to want to get out a piece of paper and a pencil for this.  Or open the "notes" app on your phone.  Go ahead.  I'll just wait here for you.  

On my drive home from work tonight I finished listening to a really excellent book.  The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown.  Across the board I am going to recommend this book to anyone who likes to read.  

 

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like it.   It's the true story of a group of "boys" from the University of Washington and their journey to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.  It's told from the perspective of one main character, but includes parts of the stories of the other members of the crew, as well as the coaches.  I knew nothing about crewing prior to reading this.  I got it based on a recommendation from my friend Joan.  I wanted something different after finishing the book about the search for the Golden State Killer.  

It's about the boys in the boat and their struggles, while also including elements of history, and in particular the rise of the Nazi party and the role propaganda played in that.  A core element, central to the story, is the concept of the "whole" versus individual members, and how this is what makes them an extraordinary team.   I am going to say nothing more to try and sell you on this book.  Except that I plan to look up everything else Daniel James Brown has written.  His writing is engaging and educational without ever becoming tiring or preachy.  

Brother, Dottie, Sister, and Marti Huff - I especially recommend it to each of you.  

 

to assess consistency between boxes

This week's ordinary activities that were quite enjoyable, in spite of their routine-ness included (but were not limited to) studying the growth of the front porch succulents, 

 

marveling at teeny tiny roses, 

walking, 

cutting and roasting a butternut squash,

washing the farmers market lettuce for salads, 

prepping for dinners this week by making side dishes ahead of time, 

appreciating this amazing blue, 

putting together a collection of the smallest zinnias in a juice glass to go in the window in front of the sink so I can look at them while I wash dishes, 

observing what was growing on this railing, 

and finally, and I really hate to put this in a post I have categorized as completely mundane, checking out this box of animal crackers.  Just to be sure the taste still measures up in the new "cage-free" packaging.  

You'll be glad to know it does.  Actually I think they taste even better.  But just to be sure, Chris purchased several packages, so that we might assess consistency between boxes.    

until he started shooting the place up one day because he disagreed with something that was being said on the floor of the senate

Since it seemed to us everyone was dashing around recently, getting in their last trip of the summer,  Chris and I decided to jump on the adventure band wagon.  And take a field trip.  Even though we are decidedly not going back to school this week.  

We evaluated all our options within a reasonable driving distance, and picked... a tour of the state capital.  In Topeka.

Oh I can hear the groans from here.  

But since we don't have an ocean to drive to, or a mountain to climb, we made do.

The capital was renovated a few years back at the cost of something like 300 million bucks.  

We decided we should see what we paid for.  

If you are a fan of history and architectural details, you will find it enjoyable.  

Especially if your tour guide keeps on schedule, and tells you interesting tid-bits of information that she has picked up over the years.  Like the fact that the soldier who shot John Wilkes Booth worked at the capital for awhile until he started shooting the place up one day because he disagreed with something that was being said on the floor of the senate.  

We wanted to see the John Steuart Curry mural "Tragic Prelude" that depicts John Brown and the anti-slavery movement. 

And while it is impressive, my favorites of the murals were the ones on the first floor. 

These photos do not do justice to them.  They are by David Overmyer, a Topeka native, and represent significant events in the history of Kansas.  I loved the bold lines and colors.  When Sister comes to Kansas we are going to drive over and sketch them.  

Unfortunately, our timing did not coincide with the tour of the dome.  Chris was very disappointed because he really wanted to climb the 295 steps to the top (no elevator available).  We will go back for that.  The view of the city and surrounding country is supposed to be spectacular.   The figure on the top of the dome is Richard Bergen's Ad Astra Bronze, depicting a member of the Kansa nation.  

And that is the story of Chris and Carol's last big hurrah of the summer. Tomorrow we will resume regular programming.  

The end.  

as he carefully examined the tiny tomatoes

This week was the last 7am start for the Saturday farmers market in Lawrence.  I for one, am ready for it.  My 4 competing priorities on Saturday morning are walking, going to the market, sitting on the porch to drink coffee, and trying to squeeze in 30 more minutes of sleep before the first 3.  

So let's just start off with serious market cuteness this week.  The feet on this baby were infinitely squish-able.  

Everyone standing around this lady in her "market version of Rosie the Riveter" ran when I asked to take her photo.  Camera shy or witness protection program?  I didn't ask.  When I saw that beautiful silver hair with the red bandana and dark glasses all pushed up in that no-nonsense totally cute way I couldn't help myself.  

In the 4-legged adorable category,  I give you this extremely well-behaved dog.  

And then there was him.  I have no idea what was going on in his head as he carefully examined the tiny tomatoes, but his delightful, unabashed, curiosity was fun to watch.  

Oh.  Yes, there was produce.  Plums and green beans, and peaches and apples and peppers and kale and salad greens.  

Plus flowers and spinners.  

And with that, I wish you all great Mondays, whatever you're doing, wherever you are.  

nowhere does it say to stop

Since the zinnias are still producing.  I am bound to keep cutting.  And arranging.  

While finding the time to do some writing - and some reading.  

I have also given considerable thought to the different ways to eat peaches, but mostly keep sticking with the same old ways.  

Old ways, especially when they involve a biscuit, are sometimes best.  

I bought a card with the Holster Manifesto on it a while back.  It's propped up on my desk where I can see it.  A lot.  I like to look over at it in between typing a sentence or two.  Such good words.  

It tells me to "start doing things I love", and nowhere does it say to stop.   

a net used to catch thoughts that would otherwise escape

Here is a final look at my "finished" inside outside pouch.  It is going to be the companion to my everyday journal.

The one I take with me on solo coffee shop excursions.

When I make time to sit, observe, and write about the vital, sometimes earth-shaking, ideas that are flowing through my mind.  Think of this journal as a net, that is used to catch thoughts that would otherwise escape and not receive the attention they may (or may not) merit.  

This pouch has plenty of room AND compartments to keep all my supplies neat and organized, and the vinyl allows for easy spotting of what lives where in the outer pouches. 

Supplies are needed because I also like to cut and paste in this book.   AND should I decide I just want to sit and listen, but want to appear totally absorbed in myself, there is plenty of space in the main compartment to tuck in a small knitting project.

Meanwhile, this was made from the scraps.  That pink button has been waiting for the project that would display it to it's full potential.    

The best part about this is not the button though.  It's that every time I see these materials, while drinking coffee at work, I am reminded of the day we made the pouches and how that day filled me up.  In the best possible way.   

yes siree I sure am

The back patio pots are doing their thing right now.

Growing stalks and blooming by golly.  

Succulents do the most interesting things.

All these bits of ground cover were plucked out of the rock wall in the back of our house and popped in this strawberry pot.  I love the way they look pouring over out of the sides.  

At last the bougainvillea has started to flower.  The leaves are pretty on their own, but let's face it, those fuchsia flowers are the reason this was planted.    

I am calling the succulent look for the back deck a hit so far.  I looked for all the heat and sun tolerant ones for the back, and those that flourish in the shade for the front porch.  

I do NOT know the names of all these plants.  Can't remember what I did with the tags.  I do love that all their blooms happen to be in the red/pink family.  I could tell you I planned that, but heck, I didn't even know they bloomed to be downright honest with you.   But I am real happy about it.  Yes siree, I sure am.  

"...a mysterious figure capable of conducting transfiguration through needle and thread"

On a recent ordinary day, I discovered something extra-ordinary.  The work of Ann Luben: The Singular Spectralogical Seamstress of the West, hanging up in Decade coffee shop in Lawrence.   

From her statement presented with the work,  "...drawing from the fantastical sources of visual and narrative culture within country music and Western Americana, my work proposes a magical realist relationship between the embellished garment and the inflated identity.  Sewn charms of the Sooth Stitcher offer improbable cures to the demands of rugged isolationism through physically transformative sympathetic magic.  Artifacts of this metaphysical sewing service, including hailed hyperbolic advertisements and embroidered garment fragments, suggest a mysterious figure capable of conducting transfiguration through needle and thread."

Her stuff totally blew me away.   

It gives credence to that idea that you see the MOST interesting, informative, inspirational things when you aren't looking for them.  

I love her work, but even more the whole concept of it.  

Might I recommend the cortado for sipping on while you let your eyes roam over the exhibit?  They have excellent tables and chairs.  Bring something to write or draw with, and in.  

Helpful links:

Anne Luben 

Decade Coffee Shop

P.S.  I do not know how long the exhibit will be up. Dally at your own risk.  

all the makings for some good eats

Highlights from this weekend's farmers market included boys in t-shirts advertising their dad's comedic talents, and baskets of mariachi peppers perfect for fajita making.

I am not sure why I have never noticed before how perfectly lined up the produce and signs are at the Mellowfields farm booth.  It's a thing of beauty when glimpsed from a few feet back, where you can appreciate such a thing.  

I think these boys were enjoying their cinnamon rolls.  I caught one of them mid-chew and I believe that accounts for the expression.   

This junior farmer was dispensing advice on which melon might best meet a customers needs.  

Since I had just spent a day sewing, you know I almost jumped with joy when I saw these ladies in their dresses.  I LOVED that colorful fabric and she let me know just where she bought it!  Fellow makers are nice that way.  

Blondee apples, heirloom tomatoes, and kombucha tea merchants with dimples were also spotted.  

I loved listening to these ladies trying to decide which bunch of flowers to buy.

They agreed I had already selected the most spectacular arrangement. 

 Cabbage, kale, spinach, peppers, a cucumber, a summer squash, a dozen eggs, and a few tomatoes rounded out my purchases.  

All the makings for some good eats this week.   

a sense of being able to do anything that comes from being in community with my fellow makers

Yesterday there was a meeting of "the makers".    Our plan was to sew up the "Inside/Outside pouch" we had spotted at Sarah's in downtown Lawrence at last month's get together.  

By the time we met, Pam and Mary Joan had each already completed 3 and 8 respectively.  Which actually turned out pretty great for Ann and I, since they could answer all our questions and provide guidance.  

We had things cut out and ready to go ahead of time, and Ann had her house all set up like an official "sewing workshop".  Complete with lighting, cutting surfaces if needed, iron, cranberry/blood orange iced tea, AND oatmeal raisin cookies and snickerdoodles.  

We made fast work out of attaching zippers and binding strips to vinyl, making gussets, and figuring out how the interior/exterior fabrics all came together.   

Meanwhile Pam sewed up the sweetest little jacket, trusting that the process was right (though we were not sure how it would go together for a few minutes), ending the day with a perfect gift for a lucky baby. 

Mary Joan kept me on track with my bag while stitching on this pillow AND knitting her second pair of socks.

My friends also saved the day for me when I noticed at the end that my zipper closure was wonky and they cut off the end of the zipper (gasp!), re-attached the zip thing, and made it like new.  

At the conclusion of our August meeting,  Ann and I were all done except for a bit of hand sewing on the exterior binding.  But more than that, we were all invigorated.  Ready to resume, complete, and start new projects.  Because, as I said last month when talking about this group... makers gotta make.  

I also learned about 2 things that I didn't know would make sewing so much easier!

Scissors that make cutting out easier for sore hands, AND a fold out cardboard thing to put on your table so you don't have to get on your hands and knees on the floor when laying out fabric and patterns.  GENIUS!!

Right this moment my brain is buzzing with ideas and I have been infused with a sense of being able to do anything that comes from being in community with my fellow makers.  

Helpful links: 

Sarah's Fabrics

Pattern for bag

Baby jacket pattern

you need a lot of raw material to choose from

Since Susan in Albuquerque asked about my zinnia beds, I am showing them today.  

They are a wild bunch.  No orderly rows or anything logical like that.  

I have them all along the back of my house, mixed in with the lavender, and some marigolds, and lemon balm.  The back of the house gets sun beginning around 1130am and ending at sunset.

Because I was not sure how successful these were going to be, I went on around the corner of the house and planted another bunch on the side.  

These beds get sun starting in the early morning, lasting until about 2pm.  We have had below average rainfall this year and so I have watered them about once a week and they have done remarkably well.    

I am not one bit sorry about planting so many.  I will do the same again next year.  

When you fancy yourself a flower arranger, and place jars of zinnias in every room in your house, you need a lot of raw material to choose from.  

until I pull down the Budapest journal

This week, along with finishing up that languishing sketchbookery project, I pulled out the Lummi Island travel journal.

Then called my sister to schedule a FaceTime SketchTime session, so I could at long last paint the buoys on the final page of that journal.  Something I have been meaning to do for a year.  

And while I was at it, I flipped through the little accordion schetchbook that goes with it.  

And then I looked at all the shells and other things we found on walks that we painted...  

... and remembered how fun that was.   AND how successful I felt after doing these pages.  

Just sitting at the table outside our beach house, looking at the great white watcher, talking to the deer, splashing our brushes in the water.  

You may recall how I said that my Bavarian travel journal was, to date, the most enjoyable to work in while on the actual trip?  Then I think I said I loved them all equally once they were done.   That is absolutely true.   The "I love them all equally" part.  Because seriously, when I look at this one it seems like my favorite.  Until I pull down the Budapest journal that is.....

if only all my clothing purchases worked out in such a serendipitous fashion

Sometimes, when you play your cards just right, you come home with something that goes with everything you already have.  

Like this past weekend.  When I had just THE vase for my farmers market bouquet.

AND, it went perfectly with the table runner that was already on the table, saving me from rummaging, shaking, trialing, and the like.  

If only all my clothing purchases worked out in such a serendipitous fashion.  Oh the time and aggravation it would save me.  

The thing is, I bought this arrangement because I loved the unexpectedness of the succulents and the cool green of the hydrangeas.  That seems like a formula that would not translate easily to wearables.  Unless I decide to only wear green.  Which could work, come to think of it.  

an excellent recounting of a dogged pursuit by dedicated investigators

I just finished listening to I'll be Gone in the Dark, which details the search for the "Golden State Killer".   While always drawn to "true crime" stories, as I get older, my ability to tolerate gruesome details or moments of terror, on the screen or in a book has lessened.  What was interesting about this book, is that it is almost "clinical".  A view from a distance, that does not put the reader right there in the moment, but still gives you a sense of those involved.   

It provides an excellent recounting of a dogged pursuit by dedicated investigators over the course of many years.   In this age of advanced forensic technology, it's hard to remember that not so long ago, these tools were not available.  Definitely recommended.    

I just totally made that up

The sun was in the perfect position when I arrived at the farmers market on Saturday.  

Casting everyone and everything in the most beautiful morning light.

Grapes and okra were available this weekend.

And a most colorful selection of flowers.

She won "Carol's pick for best market outfit" this week.  Hat, basket, flowing skirt.  All in perfect harmony.  

When I got home I scurried about making my own harmonious combinations.

Carrots were added to the cucumbers and onion.  Lentils were added to the salad for the week.  It's all a part of the Experimentation for Interest Eating Plan.  I just totally made that up.  

in our pajamas. while we drink wine.

A list of ordinary things.  

1.  Cat straddling fence, seen in neighborhood.

2.  Perfect flat white at 1900 Barker.  

3.  A lovely roll of fat quarters at Sarah's fabrics.

4.  Good advise on a chalkboard.

5.  Cutting out sisters labels.  Remember when you were in grade school and got to cut things out as an assignment?  And it was fun.  It still is. 

6.  Deciding on fabric for a project.  

7.  Cocktail time on the weekend in the summer.

8.  Same cat, still straddling fence, different pose.  Worth repeating.  

9.  A perfect orange zinnia.  

It's a lovely Saturday here at home.   As I type, Chris is making "fried chicken salad" for supper and picking out a movie.  Which we will watch while lounging on the couch.  In our pajamas.  While we drink wine.  Weekends don't get much better.  

the intended recipient will think I meant for it to arrive now

 Way back when sister offered Stitchbookery class for the first time, I started making one of the projects in the class.

And then, it somehow got buried...

Under a whole bunch if stuff that someone piled on my art table. 

But I did not let a little thing like the fact that I started it over a year ago stop me from digging it out...

and picking up where I left off.

The intended recipient will think I meant for it to arrive now, to remind her of last summer's family vacation.

This little mailing pouch that Mary Ann sent mine in is so fabulous.  

It was a great template.  I used an old calendar page to make a pouch for mine ...

... and promptly popped it into a clear envelope, and sent it on it's way.  

The end.

for a color junkie like me

I will stop doing blog posts about zinnias as soon as they stop being so beautiful.  

Which does not show signs of being anytime soon.  

Seriously.  Each day I walk out the back door and pinch myself.  

A little lemon balm added to these.  For the heck of it.  

For a color junkie like me, these are pure and utter bliss.  

... to you. And yourself.

There was lots of stuff to choose from this weekend at the market.  I saw the beets early on and got a basket of red and a basket of gold.  Because I couldn't decide between them.  Plus, if you are turning on your oven to roast vegetables, in the summer, might as well make it worth your while.

The squash was beautiful too.  As I walked by I had a vision of butternut squash bisque, served in a heavy white bowl, with a side of hearty peasant bread, eaten on an outdoor patio at dusk, while gazing off at the mountains in the distance.  

These succulents in cute little pots made me smile.  And, by the way, all the succulents that I put in pots early on this summer are tolerating our drought quite well.  

These made me remember I want to make watermelon salsa again this summer.   Heck I haven't even made regular salsa yet this summer.  There will be plenty of time.  For both.   

The peaches are perfect right now.  Peeled and eaten with blueberries for breakfast.  On top of steel cut oats. With chopped walnuts, yogurt, drizzle of honey.  Swoon.

The tuberose flowers stopped me in my tracks.  I started talking to myself when I saw them.  

Me:  Should I get those this week or more sunflowers?

Myself:  You said before you left you were going to get more sunflowers because they were so pretty last week.

Me:  Yes, but that's before I knew these would be here.  

Myself:  Well get what you want but don't blame me if you wish you would have gotten the sunflowers.

Me won out.  

And I didn't blame myself.  Because look how simple and perfect these are on the table.  

This weeks salads for lunch - kale, roasted beets, chopped up red pepper, black beans, dried cranberries.  I know it sounds crazy, but it's good stuff.  Usual dressing - 3T olive oil, 2T honey, 2T apple cider vinegar,  1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.  

Happy new week to all.  Whatever you are doing.  Wherever you are.  

Sending tuberose flowers to you.  And yourself.  

 

on all my fingers and toes

It's hard to say exactly what was THE best thing about Germany as a vacation destination.  Charming villages with stunning mountain views certainly ranks right up there.

As does a great place to stay with comfortable beds and pillows, no alarm clock, and no set schedule to follow every day.   A balcony with a table for eating or sketching while you enjoy the view is also nice.  

How about something as simple as appreciating the way they stacked the wood and eating carrot bread bought from a very nice lady at a local bakery, on a side street, in a neighboring village.  

Plus the flowers, the windows, the windows with flowers, and the walking paths.  

You can see why it would be impossible to pick THE best thing.  

This attempt to try is simply a ruse.   Whereby I get the chance to show you a few more pictures and talk one last time about a lovely part of the world.  

If you have considered visiting, but haven't yet, I recommend it highly.  For reasons that are too numerous to count on all my fingers and toes.   

that hardly ever happens more than once on a flight

 I hope when you see I am knitting these very fall looking socks, you will say to yourself "boy that Carol is on top of things, knitting those just in time for the upcoming season".  

Those of you with a good memory will recall that I started these several years ago.  The first one was too big so I ripped it out and started over and then set it aside for awhile.  I took it to Bavaria because socks are the perfect travel knitting project.  Unless you drop one of your double points on the plane and it rolls back several rows and you have to ask half the passengers to look under their feet for your needle.  But that hardly ever happens more than once on a flight.  

Working with sock yarn is just plain darn satisfying.  Watching to see how the colors will work themselves out as you go.  

I do not like my socks to match, and so instead of finding the spot in the yarn where they would come out the same, I just start the second one where I left off with the first one.  

There are many sock patterns out there.  This one is my favorite.  I always come back to it.  It has a nice formula so you can be sure they fit properly.  (Which I did not pay attention to when I started these the first time).  It's really always best to do a swatch to check your gauge with something that you will want to fit correctly.  

Here is a link if you are interested. Knit to Fit Socks.  Or better yet, make a field trip to Lawrence and do yourself the favor of going into the Yarn Barn. They have the pattern there.  

from her carefully tended climbers that grew up and over the fence

Regular stuff happening this week includes prep work for making a bag. Because everyone NEEDS as many bags as possible.  Even if you don't know what you are going to put in them.   Except I do know that this one will be a project bag for socks or fingerless mitts or a small scarf.  Whatever I am knitting.  I love "containing" a project.  And this one has vinyl on both sides so you can easily see what's what.  

Caprese salad with a reduced balsamic drizzle.  Heaven on a plate.  Do you "reduce" your balsamic for summer salads like this?  I like the way it clings to the mozzarella when it's just a bit thicker.  

Zinnia arrangement with flowering basil.   Though you can hardly see it, the fragrance is lovely, and I know it's there.   

New summer dishcloth completed.  Why are these so satisfying?  I have tried different patterns and different yarns for them, but always come back to this pattern and this yarn in a variety of colorways.  

Condition report on the rosebush that I put in a pot on the deck... it's flourishing.  Providing plenty of blooms (even in the heat) to bring inside.  This small glass pitcher that belonged to Eleanor, Chris's mom, always held roses trimmed from her carefully tended climbers that grew up and over the fence out back.    

I am happy to carry on the tradition, as a dues paying member of the older ladies who love roses club.  

Dischloth pattern link:  dishcloth pattern

Bag pattern link:  inside outside pouch by Aneela Hoey