Tall Tales from Kansas

blending in rather than standing out

This title jumped out at me from the pages of a book review a while back. Something about how being less visible can actually help us be more present. How blending in rather than standing out increases our ability to connect with the world, and others in it. 

As you can see, there were many things that caught my eye. Ideas to circle back to for further contemplation. Sometimes I need to read things a few times to figure out just why they resonate with me.  

As we age, it seems natural to think more about our place in the world and the associations we form within it. And how they change over the years. If any of that seems interesting to you, you might appreciate a look through.

Title:  How to Disappear:  Notes on Invisibility in a Time of Transparency

Author:  Akiko Busch

What I thought:  Highly recommended, might not appeal to all

on cold spring days

This morning, when the snow flurries began, I put on my coat and went to the store.  For flowers.  Spring flowers, to be more specific.

Because the next best thing to a spring garden walk, to see what is coming up in your garden, is spring flowers on your table.

From wherever they can be obtained. 

These Japanese iris served my purpose.  Splendidly.

Other inside tasks today included roasting Brussels sprouts to take to lunch this week, and making a new batch of muesli.  

While the oven was hot for toasting and roasting, baby Bella mushrooms were also prepared.   

While not as pretty to look at as spring flowers, they do add a flavorful punch to a salad.  Especially on cold spring days.  

the beauty of a circle of makers

The flowers on the tables at Decade coffee shop in Lawrence were pretty this week.

That's where the Prairie Makers met this month.  To discuss making.  While making. And sipping the rich, creamy, delicious, coffee beverage of your choosing.

Pam is making a simple tank out of linen.  I want to make a light, loosely constructed, short sleeve, "sweater-ish" type of garment out of some linen.  Summer would be the perfect time.

I did already mention the flowers right?

Joan has started a lizard ridge afghan.  

Two squares down and 22 to go!  I am laying money on an early July completion.  

What about a hand-made, hand-stamped, bag to hold your wallet?  And your library card.  And a paper and pencil to write down all the adventures you have while carrying it.  Bravo Pam!

Somehow I missed taking a photo of the new scarf that Ann is making.  From yarn she got in Hawaii.  Maybe it was the flowers between us that kept distracting me.  

I love that Joan is taking on the afghan she never thought she would be able to make; that Pam thinks she wants to try one too; and that Ann has started putting together a quilt like the one I cut out months ago - which has me itching to get back at mine.  That is the beauty of a circle of makers. 

which led to a trip to the basement to look for these carrots

Procrastination of tax preparations came to an abrupt end this week.  But before I could get down to business, tulips had to be put on the table to look at.  Which required a trip to the store.

And who can look at figures and such without coffee?  So that had to be prepared. 

Then I had to put the plant that had been on the table on the front porch to make way for the tulips. Which led to a trip to the basement to look for these carrots to put on the bunny thing by the front door because the hearts that were there were clearly out of synch with the holidays.  

Of course I had to sweep the porch while I was outside.  You can't update things, and leave dead leaves and the like scattered about.  

No one excels at dilly-dallying like me.    

to clear the winter cobwebs out

Ordinary things happening this month include breakfasts at home, updating the inspiration board, and scratching my head over what is needed to complement these 2 amazing skeins of yarn and begin my find your fade shawl.  Maybe I will find something in Kentucky?  I am pretty sure brother will want to help me with this mission. He is a color expert.  

My traveling project bag is ready. In my mind I will find something to bring the yarn from Lake Tahoe and the yarn from Kansas City together in the perfect way.

I also started my first "graphic novel" (it's not what you think), sampled an apricot/thyme pastry at the Filling Station coffee garage that transported me to a cafe in France, and spotted this hand made quilt in a patient's room - I adore the color/pattern combinations. Bravo maker! Whoever you are. It was made by a member of a church group that provides quilts for members of their congregation in the hospital.  

New dish cloths are being made, using my favorite pattern from Louise, lemons were bought so we could attempt a lemon tart that uses olive oil instead of butter (because it sounded interesting), and I am overjoyed to be able to walk outside again in the morning on my days off.  

Walking outside, in the morning, listening to the birds, while my mind wanders in all sorts of directions is just what I need to clear the winter cobwebs out. Spring cleaning for mental health.  It's a thing.  

so beautiful it was hard to believe they were real

At Kauffman Gardens there are clear signs that spring is here.

And just like that, winter feels over, and in retrospect maybe not so bad. 

Gardening thoughts start to push into my weekend plans. 

Even now, with just a few glimpses of color, this garden is beautiful.

The order and structure encourage appreciation of things you don't notice when things are in full bloom.  

When I walked into the indoor garden space to visit my friend, the smell was heavenly. Oh Delta Valencia Orange you are seriously intoxicating.  

There were also ranunculus and primrose to enjoy.  So beautiful it was hard to believe they were real. But they were.  

The therapeutic benefit of a garden visit (that includes cat therapy) can not be overstated. 

you mean they are just going to starve to death?

For some time now I have been wanting to share information here about tube feeding or artificial hydration & nutrition.  In particular, about its role for people with a serious illness.  This week, after hearing yet another family member say "you mean they are just going to starve to death?", when faced with stopping tube feeding or TPN (total parenteral nutrition - feeding in the vein), I decided tonight was the time.  

Let me start with some basic statements about tube feeding and IV fluids or TPN in general:

1.  People with serious illness who are nearing the end of their lives die from their disease, not the lack of nutrition. 
2.  Continuing (or initiating) tube feeding in people whose bodies are shutting down can increase discomfort.  
3.  Continuing IV fluids or TPN can do the same as #2 above. 
4.  When people are aspirating because they can no longer swallow safely, tube feeding doesn't stop them from continuing to aspirate. Even if they are not eating food, they can aspirate on saliva, which just as easily can cause pneumonia.
5.  If someone has a serious illness, and they are still in reasonable health, with a good functional status, tube feeding can make sense.  Examples include patients with ALS who can not swallow, a patient with a cancer that is obstructing their gastrointestinal tract, patients with head and neck cancer receiving therapy that make it difficult if not impossible to swallow. 
6.  Patients with advanced dementia do not benefit from tube feeding. Careful hand feeding may be enjoyable to them.
7.  Most states have laws that allow for withholding or withdrawing tube feedings, especially if a patient has some written directive that outlines their wishes.  
8.  Tube feeding does not automatically make people have more energy or gain weight. 

The decision to receive artificial hydration and nutrition should be based upon an individuals personal goals.  Before getting one may I suggest that you write out all the reasons why you think it will be helpful.  Then sit down with someone who can provide the facts on whether tube feeding or TPN will accomplish what you are hoping it will.  At the same time you are asking about benefits, ask about side effects of tube feeding.  

My goal tonight was to open a discussion. In right around 400 words. Questions are encouraged. Next week I will tackle the topic of "comfort feeding".  

P.S. please note I have including nothing here about the pediatric population and tube feedings. I have no clinical experience in that arena.  

all those names of streets and neighborhoods in Stockholm

I just finished returning The Girl in the Spiders Web to the library and would like to report that I was thoroughly caught up in the tale from the get go.  For me, there was not a big disconnect between this and the first 3 books in "The Millennium Series".   Granted, it's been quite awhile since I listened to them, because I wasn't sure I wanted to continue when I knew the series was being written by a different author after Stieg Larsson died.  

But when Sister told me she had watched the movie, and it was good, I went for it.  Lisbeth Salander remains fearless and bold, Mikael Blomkvist is still unwavering in his search to uncover evil, and I do so love hearing the narrator (Steven Vance) use all those names of streets and neighborhoods in Stockholm that have me wanting to return to that lovely city.  Having the same reader for this book also helped with continuity for me. I don't think David Lagercrantz is quite as brutal in some of his descriptions as Stieg Larsson was, which is ok with me.  I am curious what other readers think.

Bottom line:  these books can be a bit hard to follow at times, but they still hold my attention and make me want to get in the car for the drive home at night.  Recommended.  

the perfect weight for spring walks

It is with great delight that I tell you my Boardwalk vest has been completed.  

The neck detail ended up being much easier than I thought it would be.  Brooklyn Tweed patterns have challenged my skills.  In a GOOD way. These designers pay attention to the small details that make a garment lay right and thus fit well.  

The ends practically worked themselves in, and it was blocked on Saturday night.  

Sunday we went out for a walk and took some photos.  

This vest is the perfect weight for spring walks as well as for wearing to work.  It is extremely lightweight so will not feel too hot indoors.  

I selected the size I thought would fit best with about 2 inches of positive ease as suggested.  

The underarm holes accommodate my shirt perfectly without it getting bunched up, as has happened with other vests I have knitted. 

Thanks Chris for taking the photos.  To be fair, I did offer to have him model the vest, while I took pictures but he wasn't going for that.  

The geese were at the arboretum today too.  They were not one bit interested in the photo shoot, or the vest.  

It has taken me 6-7 years of knitting to finally figure out what will work for me in a garment, and what won't.  Maybe it's that way for all knitters?  Right now I am enjoying letting my mind run over the possibilities for my next larger project. Anything is possible.  Another sweater versus the Find Your Fade wrap.  I love wallowing in these sorts of decisions.  

Helpful links:  

Pattern:  Brooklyn Tweed Boardwalk by Heidi Kirrmaier
Yarn:  Brooklyn Tweed Loft - Plume
My favorite local yarn store where you can get everything you need for knitting: Yarn Barn

cutting, making, looking, tasting, and appreciating

Instead of going to the St. Patrick's day parade on Sunday we stayed home and trimmed the rose bushes, played with the Harvey boys, made shortbread cookies, and arranged daffodils.

Cutting, making, looking, tasting, and appreciating.  It was simply marvelous.  

we hope you are partaking in all

Because it involves being green, providing an excuse to use a lilting accent while saying things like "top o' the morning", and on account of our last name is Mulvenon, Chris and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy St. Patrick's Day.

The beer, parades, corned beef/cabbage/potatoes combination, and dancing a jig (or is is a reel?) aren't bad either.  We hope you are partaking in all.  Equally. 

I have scheduled another session for the coming week

Whatever else you have planned this weekend, I hope you have penciled in some time to sit alone, even if it's in a public space.  

Actually, especially in a public place.  That's my favorite place to be invisible.

Taking time to observe, think, write, read, reflect, plan, make lists, dream ... before getting on to the next thing. At home I constantly jump back and forth between things. 

Last week I took the time to reflect on the paint can lid art while I wrote in my everyday journal.  It was so satisfying I have scheduled another session for the coming week. 

the idea of making something out of nothing

How about some paint can lid art tonight?  This is from a panel on display at the Lawrence Art's Center.  I went down to see it after reading about it in Lawrence magazine.  

This work is by Joelle Ford who has made art from many found items over the years.  

The photos in the article were nice, but I wanted to see it for myself.  

I walked all over the place and finally asked "where is that exhibit made out of paint can lids?"

Happily they were really nice and ushered me back into the private office space where this panel was hanging.  I let them know there might be plenty of other folks like me, who after getting the most recent edition of the magazine, assumed the work was on display for the public currently.  

My head is spinning with ideas after seeing this. I love the idea of making something out of nothing. Especially something as wonderful as this.  

calling myself a perennial

If you are someone who enjoys the out of doors, likes to ramble in the woods, and loves our National Parks, chances are you have already seen Free Solo.  But if you haven't, you can catch it on the National Geographic channel or Amazon Prime.   

It's compelling, vertigo inducing, and kept me on the edge of my seat. Pretty much the entire time. 

What it did not make me want to do is go climbing.  With or without a rope.  

What it did make me want to do is keep hiking.  To the best of my ability.  Pushing my limits but not going beyond.  Last week when I suggested you read this article about resiliency and late bloomers being happier and more successful, I realized it would not be fair to call myself a late bloomer.  While I was pretty mediocre at some things early on in life, there were also things I did very well at a young age. 

For me the key is not to limit myself based on age or some other set criteria. I am therefore calling myself a perennial.  Continuing to come back and bloom over and over.  Sometimes not in the same way I did before, but always providing interest, at least when I look at myself.  And isn't that what's most important?

This post did not start with the intent of me discovering my inner plant-ness.  But it sure is where it ended up.  Darned if I know for sure how.  

eating dixie pie

Exactly one month from today, Chris and I will embark upon our voyage across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and into Kentucky, where we shall meet up at a designated spot (if all goes correctly) with brother Ray and sister-in-law Cheryl Jean. Thus begins what for me is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel. The pre-trip phase. The part full of ideas, planning, and loads of enthusiasm. 

This started on Saturday with Brother telling me about the tour of a distillery that sends it's bourbon (in barrels) on a ship around the world as part of the aging process. Who doesn't want to learn more about that? Which led to looking at a map, spotting a botanical garden and hearing about "The Hot Brown".  And just like that, the folder is filling up.  Maybe with more stuff than we will ever be able to accomplish. Knowing full well that in our family we change plans at the drop of a hat and absolutely never feel bad about skipping something in the name of 'enough is enough'.  

This phase of the trip, where the rooms have been booked and loose plans have been made, but no highway signs have yet been missed resulting in detours, or other foibles like that, may be my favorite part.  A local book store has been found to visit, with an art gallery around the corner, a cemetery to explore, a yarn shop to investigate... and the best part is we are driving. Which means I can buy as many books, paintings, skeins of yarn, and bottles of bourbon as I need. Eating Dixie pie, telling stories, and laughing are also on the list. Lots of laughing. Until we cry. And maybe howl. But hopefully not wet our pants.

the gardens of the midwest are still in REM sleep

Happy Sunday from Lawrence Kansas where the wind is blowing, the snow is melting, and I am still playing a game of hide and seek with a cardinal.

The days of flannel pajamas, coffee, and a leisurely flip through a magazine in the morning will soon give way to hurrying out of doors for garden walks.  Inspections to see what is peeking up through the ground.

In Albuquerque and Los Angeles my sisters send me video of their gardens waking up - grape hyacinths, camellia's, flowering fruit trees.  

The gardens of the midwest are still in REM sleep.  

I am making do with what I find in the way of greenery/flowers at the store.  

Because my kitchen window requires the presence of little vases.

In other news, last night we watched Bohemian Rhapsody. We hadn't really planned to see it, but after hearing how good it was, we succumbed.  Good thing.  It was excellent. Highly recommended. 

And now I am walking around the house singing "I see a little silhouetto of a man, scaramouch, scaramouch will you do the fandango, thunderbolt and lightning very very frightening, Gallileo, Gallileo, Gallileo ...." 

Chris joins in too of course.  Though he won't admit to it if asked.  

he loves to go to local yarn stores with me

Happy Birthday Brother! I hope Cheryl Jean is making you an Angel Food Cake with maraschino cherry frosting like mom used to make every year on your big day.  I don't remember what kind of cake mom used to make for me, but for some reason I always remember what she made for you.  AND, I was always glad to see March 5th roll around so I could have a piece.  

Looking forward to seeing you in exactly 37 days for our big Kentucky adventure.  I hope we can find a suitable birthday cake to enjoy while we are there.  

P.S.  If any of you live around the area of Lexington Kentucky we NEED to know if there are things in the vicinity we MUST see.  Brother has already done all the research on the bourbon distilleries, but he LOVES to go to local yarn stores with me, antique shops, interesting coffee spots or bookstores, cool old downtown areas... you get the idea.  Send us the scoop. Please and THANKS.

blowing on my fingers in an attempt to thaw them out

Left front shoulder joined today. Correctly. The first time.

And now, it's time to do what I haven't dared to read ahead about. For fear it will frustrate me before starting.  

The mitered neckline detail.  Which is of course why one knits this vest to begin with.  Such beautiful detail.  

The last skein of yarn was wound into a ball while listening to an Irish jig.  I mentioned to Chris we should sign up for dance lessons while this was all happening.  I think he said "not a chance in hell" or something like that.  

In other news, snow continues, and the driveway was cleared.  

It's a good way to get some exercise, but care must be taken that the fingers don't freeze off.  

Which accounts for those 2 red lines to the left of the black circle. That's me ducking into the garage and blowing on my fingers, in an attempt to thaw them out long enough to blow my nose and head back out to finish.  

All in all a most excellent Sunday.  

... has my serotonin receptors buzzing in a very good way

Happy Saturday from Tall Tale Headquarters where I am beginning the day in my favorite weekend way.  Opening every set of blinds in the house, making coffee, and thinking about all the things that are possible on a day off.  

Things like sending out a few notes, knitting, trying to figure out what I am going to order tonight when we go out for dinner. For sure I will not be cleaning the house or working on the taxes. Why do today what you can put off until some other day?

This morning, while reviewing my inbox, I happened upon this article which is worth the 5 minutes it takes to read it.  I am a big believer in the need to development resilience in order to lead a life that one is content with.

I have also been watching with great delight the tea pot/kettle paintings that cortneysf is showing on Instagram.

Seriously! I just sent this to sister and told her we MUST paint our tea kettles during a FaceTime SketchTime session.  Soon!

I do LOVE the inspiration I get from the creativity of others.  

Hoping your Saturday is starting as successfully. No matter what you are doing. Or who you are doing it with.

P.S. In the vein of "the small things in life are what matter most", taking my rabbit mug out of the cabinet today to help me think of spring has serotonin receptors buzzing, in a very good way.