Tall Tales from Kansas

read eagerly this morning, over coffee

Happy last Monday in January. Six days goes by fast when one works part time, especially if a chunk of those shifts are all together in a row. It leaves little time for anything but working, sleeping, and eating. I sometimes ask myself how did I used to work that much? Just like everything else in life though, we adapt to what we are currently doing, and it becomes the norm.  

Sewing triangles together is occupying my time when not at work. Sewing individual triangles one to the other is addictive. Which is a good thing, because I have a lot of them. But triangles is not the purpose of this post. Nope. An article from the Sunday NYT is. I read it eagerly this morning over coffee and the last piece of frozen pumpkin bread from Thanksgiving.

Some of you may recall I did  a post about American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins a few months ago. I thought it was an important book that should be read, no matter all the hullabaloo that ensued while the author was at the beginning of her book tour. This is an excellent opinion piece about that controversy and some of the problems with the publishing industry these days. Pardon my French, but it really pisses me off when someone gets a bee in their bonnet about something and somehow manages to go unchecked by the rest of their peers. What I LOVE about this article is that it mentions how regular book lovers - LIKE US, can continue to wield our influence by reading what appeals to us and then telling everyone else about it. 

Here is a link if you want to read the article for yourself, which I highly recommend.  The Long Shadow of American Dirt

And now I resume my shift at the sewing machine, after which I hope to get the bathroom cleaned, followed by some solid knitting time, and after that finishing up the Sunday paper. 

it's turning out like I thought if would, in my mind

I have fallen into a rabbit hole of triangles. Equilateral triangles. Multi-colored, solid, equilateral triangles to be precise. Triangles that will be sewn into a quilt. 

Cutting, arranging, re-arranging. Then moving them around again. 

I read somewhere about taking a photo, then making it black and white, to more carefully consider the color values. Such a smart idea. 

The truth is I like each arrangement pretty well. I could walk around this bed for another week playing with it. So I am stopping. 

Saturday morning the sewing will commence! So far (cannot be over stressed) it is turning out like I thought it would in my mind. Hallelujah! I haven't picked a backing yet. Binding will be some sort of small multi-colored stripe... I think anyway. All decisions are subject to change up until the very last second.

everyone is on their own journey

Thanks to Jacki Long for recommending Between Two Kingdoms, by Suleika Jaouad to me. It's likely I would not have picked it out on my own. As a palliative care nurse working with seriously ill patients currently, and a former oncology nurse, caring for many patients with various cancers over the years, I wondered if this was something I "needed" to read. It's the story of a young woman diagnosed with leukemia and how this disease alters the life she thought she would have.  

The author's story is compelling, well written, gives voice to her unique experiences which of course are similar, but not the same, as any person I have cared for in the past. The book spans the time from pre-diagnosis to the present, and her reflections on all she has been through related to the illness. There are specifics about side effects, the people she meets, reactions to her illness by others, things that were helpful/not helpful, and just what it is like to live in the uncertain world of serious illness.  All of it so very thoughtful. A reminder that everyone is on their own journey, carrying things none of us can know. 

Highly recommended. 

I'm not built that way

We had some big white snowflakes today in Lawrence. But just for about an hour or so. Nothing stuck to the ground. It was the perfect morning for a late breakfast, steel cut oats topped with big giant blueberries, walnuts, some yogurt and maple syrup. Coffee to sip. A glance through the paper. Nowhere to go. 

Cold weather makes me want to stay inside and make stuff. Coincidentally, I scribbled down a list in my journal the other day of things I want to get going on. Today I worked on three.  Let's begin with the triangle quilt. As you can see, it has not yet been started. 

I have wanted to make one since Pam Garrison brought her's to art retreat #3 (I think) in Palm Springs years ago. Solid triangles, sewn together in strips. She told me she got the idea from Elise Blaha and today I found her old post of a baby triangle quilt she made. It was fun to look at in preparation for embarking on mine. 

I made a few practice cuts on some scraps to be sure I understand how this is going to fit together. I'm glad I did. This stack of Kona Solids (fat quarters) was acquired a while back with just this purpose in mind... plus a few other projects I have thought of for using the scraps I am going to have afterwards.  

My needlepoint project also got some attention. I think I am just past the halfway point?

This cowl was also begun. Yarn purchased in Lincoln when we went over the summer. It's a combination of linen and silk and is very nice to work with. 

Sometimes I think if I just did one thing at a time, I would complete things more quickly. But I'm just not built that way. My hands and my mind like to skip to and fro and I feel compelled to go where they lead me. 

a remake of the Swedish film

A rainy Wednesday in January, in the middle of the afternoon, was the perfect time to go and see Tom Hank’s new movie - A Man Called Otto. It is based on the Fredrik Backman novel - A Man Called Ove, and a remake of the Swedish film of the same name. 

I had forgotten some of the story line since it's been a number of years since I read the book and some parts were changed to reflect the location change (United States vs. Sweden) as well as artistic license on the part of the new director? Bottom line is both Chris and I enjoyed it very much. The supporting cast, and in particular Mariana Treviño, who played the part of Marisol who moves in across the street from Otto, were very very good. Highly recommended. 

P.S. Full disclosure, I am a huge fan of Tom Hanks and pretty much anything he does. 

P.P.S. We had not been in a movie theatre since February of 2020. It felt good to see something on the big screen, though I could have done without all the ads and other hoo-hah prior to the previews. Do we need trivia contests and all that other ridiculousness? Angie would highly approve of my feelings on this matter. Which, in and of itself, makes me smile. 

this stuff requires practice

On the last day of virtual art retreat, feeling a little frisky, I decided to dive deep into the philosophy of "doing something hard you think you can't do".  An excellent mantra for the timid artist, especially during an art retreat. 

So, with the proper frame of mind notched in place, self-doubt in check, Annette (whose birthday is soon) was selected as the model for the first page. Great fun was had. Concentration was focused, laser sharp, except for when it wasn't.

Next up, a Kansas landscape in the black sketchbook. 

There was much to experiment with - in particular how much water to use on the gouache to maintain the opaque vibrance, but still juicy enough to swish around on the paper. There is more to learn there.  Sister painted brother Paul and cats and landscapes. Time went by so fast. Before you know it, day 3 was done. We are going to schedule another art retreat in February. This stuff requires practice. More of it. 

It's humbling to do things you aren't that great at, but at the same time enjoyable if that even makes sense. And, unlike knitting, quilting, and sewing you can start and finish a piece in a few hours. Or you can keep fiddling and overwork it if you want to. The thing about these sketchbooks is they are for fun. Every time sister and I get together to do these sessions, we flip though and show each other previous bits of work... hilarity ensues. It's good therapy. 

a little slice of life I don't usually see

No spectacular sunrise this morning, but how nice to "discover" the loveliness to be found this day. Blues, grays, a sliver of pink, a touch of gold, reflections on the water.

The moon hung high over the dam.

The old streetlights in the park were flickering off. Big dark leafless trees. 

The grain elevator by the railroad tracks

The employees at the muffler shop, next to where I parked, were showing up for work, thermoses in hand, turning on the lights in the shop. A little slice of life I don't usually see. 

When I got home the Sumo Mandarin came out, was peeled, and each segment popped into my mouth. 

Each mouthful a burst of pure deliciousness. While on a visit to California a few years back, Sister and I picked up a couple of these on a whim. They are unusual looking. Don't be scared. Try one if you see them. The one in the photo above doesn't have the characteristic "top knot" and do be advised they are about $3.50 each. Worth every cent. 

tomorrow the sky is the limit

Sister and I just concluded day 2 of 3 planned days of ZOOM art making. I need several days in a row of art dates. It takes at least 1/2 of the first session to get my mind to free itself up and get started.

That's Angie at age 11 and Marti Huff at age 99.  Sister was painting seascape masterpieces, Otto was prowling around in the background, good fun all around.

Today started with a self portrait followed by my rendition of a scene on the box of long matches up here in the art room. This was especially enjoyable.

Tomorrow the sky is the limit. Maybe I will attempt seascapes, more portraits, or something completely different. 

My "chore" today consisted of putting the neon pothos that has been rooting in water, into dirt today. Before it suffered root rot. I think that's a thing. Hopefully it will take, then hold until it's time to put it out in pots with the caladiums out front again this year. The succulents that had been hot glued on top of the mini pumpkin were also stuck in dirt. Who can say if they will survive. I figure if they lived without any water on top of a mini pumpkin for 3 months they should?

I hope you are spending your long weekend (if you have one) doing what you like too. 

no sign of foul play but the investigation is ongoing...

When putting away the holiday finery this week, which felt good by the way, I finally found these bottles that I have been trying to find for a whole year. Since they were put away in 2021 when I was decorating. At the time I distinctly recall telling myself, "this is a great place to put these".  Does that sound familiar? Please say it does. 

They were hiding in a box in the basement that did not get opened when putting stuff out this year. That means most of the stuff in that box was not missed and could be donated right? It's time. Time to sort through the holiday rick-rack and anything that doesn't have a specific memory of a time, place, or person who gave it to me, can be donated. It felt good to reunite the bigger bottles with the smaller bottles of sea glass and shells.

The tree was pulled apart and transported to the basement. 

As Chris (in his knee pads) and I struggled to wrap, tie, and replace it in it's bag, we joked about the headlines that could ensue if we were to experience simultaneous arrests or some other such catastrophe given our huffing and puffing to get the job done.  "Geriatric couple found dead after being alerted by neighbors that they had not been seen for days, no obvious sign of foul play but the investigation is ongoing...".

It's been awhile since I have seen the original Harvey boy. I think he may have left the building, but I will say that every single time I saw him this past fall, I picked him up, gave him a giant squeezer hug, and told him what a good boy he was and how much I loved him. Meanwhile, Alex (aka light Harvey) has been around a lot. He look like he is sleeping but he is on the hunt. For lizards. Lizards are his favorite. I do like his tail as "paw warmer" pose here. 

For you quilters out there... do you use a stripology ruler? I got this at the library after hearing about a class. I have only heard good things about them but will appreciate any input you have. It seems like a great tool for efficiency and accuracy when you have lots of strips and squares to cut. 

No good sunset on this day out and about, but there was a dried hydrangea bloom in front of that lovely old brickwork at Decade coffee shop. 

The flat white was most excellent as well. After I ordered I saw a sign that said they had "orange sipping chocolate".

It sounded intriguing and delicious but not at 8am. A perfect reason to visit later in the day sometime. 

a glowing ball of orange at it's finest

Here is a sunrise at the "church of the glassy river" from this week. 

So technically, it's just minutes before sunrise, when the colors are most spectacular. I look to the right, look to the left, look across the river. All views superlative. 

Then before you know it, here it is, right there, a glowing ball of orange at it's finest. I love the pink light reflecting off everything it shines on. 

Hello moon. Hello path made gold by the sun.

The most splendid of ways to start a day. 

he dies suddenly and a reaper comes to get him

This year I hope to read many great, diverse, captivating books. Stories that make me want to just sit and read, or listen, for hours on end. As you see from the varied titles I have told you about in the past, I like many types of books. However, I just finished a very different, for me, book. I heard about it on a blog where a woman was doing a guest post and happened to mention what she was reading. I looked it up, it sounded interesting, boom. 

This is the story of Wallace Price who, let's face it, is not the best person in the world. Kind of a bonehead, focused on work, sort of mean to people in his life, you get the picture.  He dies suddenly and a reaper comes to get him to help him move on... yes, yes, it sounds strange... it is classified as contemporary fantasy/fantasy fiction/gay fiction/ and a romance novel. Hmmm. I don't like classifications. Whatever.  It's an interesting take on what the end of a life may be like. There are parts of it that I sure wish were/are true, it took a turn near the end it maybe shouldn't have, and I liked the characters very much. You decide if it's right for you. I liked it.

... turn around and see the moon setting as the sun is rising

This week I have determined that even if it is cold, and despite a few hitches in my getalong, I will make a concerted effort to get out and see some sunrises! This was at the Baker Wetlands, an unfolding spectacle of color.

I did get out and ramble just a bit, to see the view from a few different perspectives. 

I love to turn around and see the moon setting as the sun is rising. 

When I had as much as I could take of the 29 degree temperatures, I went back to my car, turned on the seat warmer, and let it all soak in for just a bit longer. 

a friend who can bring a moment in a well-lived life to the present...

This week marked the first 2023 lunch gathering with Marti Huff, my favorite nonagenarian. We met in Lawrence at Merchants Pub and Plate where we were able to get our favorite table and start with an order of the famous Brussels sprouts as an appetizer. 

Some of us had hot tea to drink, some had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, some had a beer and a cup of hot tea. I leave you to guess who had what, just know that Marti Huff is not holding back on enjoying the indulgences of life. As we awaited our meals we discussed things. Important things. There was sharing of strange dreams, with our take on what they each meant, and how a weird dream can leave you feeling unsettled even after you wake up and realize it didn't happen. What is that? 

One of the best things about having a nonagenarian friend, is that they have history to share. Interesting history. Marti brought this photo from when she was 9 or 10 at school in Chicago and learning to type.  She is on the right, second from the front, with her perfectly ironed (by her mom) puffy sleeved blouse.  Note that all the boys wore ties and knickers. She could recall most, if not all, of the names of the kids in this class! How glad I am at my age to have a friend who can bring a moment in a well-lived life to the present so we can all "experience" what it was like.  

We discussed introversion and extroversion and how Nancy loves nothing better than to sit at the breakfast table with a bunch of strangers at a B&B and TALK to them. Marti, Jennifer, and I shudder at the thought. 

After an almost solid 2 hours of serious catching up, we parted ways, but not before scheduling a date for February, where we have discussed the warm comfort of Austrian cuisine (Grünauer) versus sampling the tamale's at Carniceria y Tortelleria San Antonio, which a patient of mine recently told me was well worth the risk of aspirating and dying should he not be able to swallow safely. 

We will keep you posted. 

to stretch my quilting wings on small projects

Let me take a minute to show you my finished "tree" pillow. I mentioned it here previously along with details about the pattern. 

I have been wanting to replace the covers on the pillows on the couch, which are sort of rough and scratchy, with something more pleasing. 

This was a most satisfying project, made entirely of scraps, that didn't take forever, and provided some good fun during the holidays. 

I like a pillow that is firm, not too big, certainly not scratchy, and perfect to support my back.

It's also good to be able to continue to stretch my quilting wings on small projects. 

This turned out just as I hoped. 

AND, the great thing is it helped me work through the pattern, convinced that for next year, starting in the summer, maybe I could make a quilt of trees for a bed, or for a great holiday throw for the TV room. 

P.S. I absolutely love the online quilting community. They make me want to do things I didn't know I needed to do. 

arguably the most valuable possession in my home

Today, while finishing up the Sunday New York Times, as I sat at the table in the dining room, determined to also "clear out" the backlog of book reviews from the last 2 months, I came across this wonderful article about clutter.

After reading, this photo was taken and immediately sent to sister (who, by example, is always inspiring me to get rid of stuff I no longer need), AND a work colleague who has a very similar design aesthetic to mine (little did I know it has a name "cluttercore"), to let her know that we had been validated.  
It seems so apropos on January 2nd to give a big shove to minimalism. NOT that there is anything wrong with that. In the photo above, on top of the article, you will note the spoon. I grew up with that spoon. It was Angie's. She stirred soup, enchilada sauce, cake batter, and large pots of pinto beans with that spoon. It is arguably the most valuable possession in my home. That's how much I love it. No one else in the entire world would guess that, except maybe Dottie. 

Thanks Rob Walker for making me chill the heck out about decluttering and instead focus on the memory and the love I have for "stuff" in our house. That said, you will note below, an excessive amount of "special" kitchen utensils below, in containers, on the counter. 

Chris and I have discussed downsizing this to maybe one container? Could we do that? This article also helped me realize it's quite possible that Chris loves every single utensil in those 3 containers as much as I love the ONE spoon from mom. Maybe in 2023 we will settle on the MOST loved utensils and get down to 2 containers. Or maybe not. 

P.S. I threw out 4 Book Reviews without even looking at them. Just to show I can declutter when needed.

Helpful links: Decluttering article from 12/29 NYT

I am going with it

Daybreak on the first day of 2023 was foggy, quiet, gentle, atmospheric. 

End of day was the same, no fog, but still quiet and peaceful.

In between these 2 pictures, we did not hurry and we did not scurry.

There was brunch at home, after which we tested ourselves for COVID for the 1st time since the beginning of the pandemic. We have never had symptoms and never had a need to test before. Several family members have turned up positive since our Christmas get together and because we had tests on hand we decided to use them. To see what it was like? Because the tests are going to expire soon? For the experience? Whatever. We did it. 

Both negative, for which we are grateful. It would prefer not to start the new year testing positive. But in the back of my mind I still think it's likely that we will all get it sooner or later. Who knows? I don't dwell on it, a good mantra for 2023 is a favorite from Marti Huff... "don't trouble trouble, until trouble troubles you". I am going with it.