lady cordelia

a guitar, an ostrich and the moon

(moon photo by my rad man, The Bradster.)

Yesterday's plans were thwarted by me when suddenly I asked The Brad if he would be willing to "cut work" and go on a family outing.  (Being a self-employed family, you think we would know all about taking time off of work.  But, no. Yesterday however, we did toodle off.)

On the way to our destination, a little tourist town several hours away, we stopped to drop off my old dining table chairs (remember?) and guess what, the local consignment wouldn't take them! (Well I never!)  So I had to take them to a local thrift store.  At the thrift store, while dumping what was evidently "junk," I saw a child's size steel string guitar in the corner. For half price! ($15.)  It needs a little work...but it's so wonderful!  So excited to teach the girls guitar on this light and breezy little darlin'.

Then we continued by the sea and up the mountain to visit the pretty valley famous for wine tasting.  We didn't wine taste, of course, with two Smallies in tow.  But we had lunch and walked around, finding a big "farm antique" sale where I came across a tall stack of wonderful old chicken laying boxes. (This was almost as good as wine tasting.)  I so wanted to buy the laying boxes and put them in my current coop.  But,  alas...it was all part of a bigger dream, a different coop, another day.

We then passed by an ostrich farm.  Acres and acres of dry land- what I imagine the The Mesozoic Era (dinosaur period, I just looked it up myself) must have looked like.  And seeing the prehistoric looking monstrous birds wandering around with SO much room.  Oh! So much space! I nearly cried for joy.  That is the kind of person I am.  Happy animals always bring joy to my heart and a tear to my eye.  (We want to go back and particiapte in feeding the ostrichs next time, thus getting a little closer.  This time, we just looked from afar.)

Then we came back home to our little farm and The Brad set up his telescope (a recent passion of his, he is now learning to connect his camera to it and take photos.)  After several nights of study and seeking, he finally found Saturn in the scope last night.  It was tiny, too small to photograph with his current telescope, but it was there, clear as could be with the rings fully visible.  It was kind of mind-blowing.  Seeing the moon is one thing.  But saturn?  Seeing saturn from your backyard is kind of like seeing a very famous person in your local grocery store.  After all those images you've seen all your life...there she is.  And saturn is so cute.  Just minding her own business as she has for billions of years. 

Kind of puts things in perspective when you look at the sky, when you think about the word "billions."  It dawns on you then, all the many other things you can gently admit to not understanding.

 

linking with baby by the sea for thrifty thursday

 

small little plans

Good Morning Sweetie.  Today I have a few things I would like to accomplish.  Would you like to know what they are? (If not, it's very lucky for you as you can just stop reading right now.) 

Today I would like to:

:: Get myself down to the thrift stores so that I can seek out some "new-to-me" Summer clothes.  I took the girls to Old Navy the other day and was apalled at paying $8 for a t-shirt and $12 for shorts.  I know that may sound cheap to some, but I've really gotten used to paying a few bucks for such things.  I'm happy to splurge on my girls, actually.  But, as for me...I'll duke it out at the local thrfit. 

:: Buy a few mosquito fish for the little tiny water garden I made.  ( And I'm not sure I'll get there 'cause the thought of any more live creatures on my property makes me feel totally sick to my stomach.  I've hit my wall, so to speak.)

::Work on a patchwork quilt for younger daughter.  But.  I'd have to walk all the way upstairs to the sewing machine.  I'm not sure I can be bothered.

:: Knit more of this shawl that I've been working on for months. And I wish I used multi colored yarn to hide the little "oops" in the stockinette. Also note: I'm nervous to get going on that lace.

::Get around to making some muffins to go with the so yummy homemade butter I whipped up yesterday.  (Look how easy it is to make butter if you have a stand mixer: Pour some cream in a standing mixer (organic and pasture raised cream is best or even better: raw cream that is, if it is less than $15 a pint in your area!), put on dough hook, mix past the "whipped cream" stage into the butter stage. When you start to see all the buttermilk come out (which is amazing to watch) keep on mixing just a bit more until you see butter get bright yellow and..well...buttery looking.  (You can save the buttermilk and use it for pancakes or muffins!) Then: scoop out the butter and with your (very) clean hands wash the butter in a bowl of  ice water by squeezing out the last bit of the buttermilk.  Do this a few times -dumping the cloudy water and adding new water- until the water stays clear.  When the water stays clear it means you have successfully gotten all the buttermilk out and your butter is ready for a pinch of salt, if you want- or fresh herbs)

Those are my plans.  I'm pretty lackadaisical about all of it. (And thats pretty odd for someone who tends to do "too much" a lot of the time.)

Anyhoo: What are your plans today?

XO

And a big PS!  Thrifty Thursday will be taken over by Jenn at Baby By The Sea and she is starting up tomorrow!  See you there!

 

 

went modern.

 

I love vintage.  But I think I have learned my lesson this year...a few pieces of utilitarian furniture are key in a busy child-filled home such as this. 

These chairs were found in a local consignment shop.  I've always wanted to go a little modern, but I've never been brave enough. These are very well made. Wood (yes, curved solid pieces of wood!), sturdy, they grip to the floor, are super easy to clean and they brighten up our kitchen which has a lot of dark wood in it and doesn't get much natural light (thus making it VERY hard to take photos of the kitchen and anything in it! Grrrr.....) 

The chairs I had before were rickety vintage, all mismatched, none in very good shape or even moderately comfortable.  Let's just say I had been living a vision that just wasn't working out.  And holding onto a vision that isn't working out is just plain exhausting.  How many times did I try and convince myself I loved the old chairs?  Well, let's take another look at the good ol' "bad boyfriend" adage: people can change, but not that much.  And the same goes for chairs.  I supported the old chairs, but they didn't support me.  They didn't give me what I needed and yet I hung around anyway.  Year after year.  Clearly a dysfunctional relationship.

So. Modern?  Well: sometimes a person might need to reach out of the ol' comfort zone a little bit.  Do things in an abnormal way to see if, perhaps, there is something to be found.  Stepping out into a whole new world.  Be bold.  Be brave.

See, lately I've been feeling mildly uncomfortable in my own skin.  Needing to push the boundaries a little bit and see if there is something else I should be seeing or doing.  Wondering if there is something I'm resisting against because I'm just too worried that it won't work out in the end.  That my time  will be wasted.  

The chairs are perfect in our kitchen.  They add a factor that wasn't there before.  Of course, they're just chairs.  But the challenging mental exercise of putting them there in the first place, clearly that is what this about, right?  And that, my friends is what I'm getting at.

dropping into summer

1. How I abnormally spent most of yesterday, sitting, knitting and reading. 
2. 1, 2, Duckie Time.
3. Flip-flops that came in a care package from Nana.
4. Fresh herbs from the garden (always pronounce the "h" in herbs.  Always. )
5. Nectarine. Yuuuummm.
6. The Poo'.  No "L".  As in, can we go in the poo?
7. Good Dog/Bad Chicken.
8."Chicken proofed" tomatoes and onions.
9. Last night's moon. Taken by The Brad.

heart tapestry

A few days ago I altered the look of my blog slightly.  It's funny how things ebb and flow- once in a while you visit a favorite blog only to find the writer has changed things up, or needed a break, perhaps even closed the blog down completely.  (I am going to try my best not to do either of those last two things.)

They say that a writer must keep writing no matter what.  Through wintery dark, unprolific & dry.   The difficult thing about a blog, I find- is that sometimes I must keep it going without, somehow, fully revealing the truly deeper personal parts of my life.  It's hard to be open sometimes, or ...perhaps it's hard to stand on the precipice of openness.

:: :: :: ::

A friend recently visited me from my hometown.  My dogs were unruly.  There were a few poops (from dogs and chickens and ducks alike) on the lawn.  I felt suddenly shy of my mismatched chairs and the rest of my funky flair.  Meanwhile, her kid was playing with duck food.  I suppose I saw what my life must look like through my friend's eyes in that moment.  Because it was perfectly clear there were aspects that had her scratching her head.  (In Kristen Kimball's book "The Dirty Life," she writes of how she -possibly a bit self-consciously- brought her cows onto her overgrown front lawn to mow it.  Remembering that somehow made me feel better.) 

I've changed in these last years.  Even my parents sometimes look at me in (loving) suprise. They have told me flat out that  at first they thought my love of backyard chickens, knitting, baking & thrifting might be short-lived. (Only because they didn't know where the yearning came from.  I think these passions of mine skipped a few generations.)  But as dirty or difficult as moments are, this part of me does not seem to be short-lived.

The things I have taken on in the last years may seem strange from certain outside perspectives- whether it's been growing food on my sidewalk or buying ducks off Craigslist.  And certainly I have not done them frivolously, though on a glance perhaps it may seem that way.  I suspect my actions are motions from my heart to further understand who I am and what I am made of.  Sure, I have received some challenges, I am dealing with living entities and creatures, of which I am one.  And yet there has been so much love in the process.  Laughter too.  Plenty of it.  And I truly believe I have given my young children something special and unique to grow on.   All the little stories that will live on in our hearts for the years to come.  My kids have been right by my side for every minute of these oddly creative years.  I believe, in fact, they have been the inspiration.

But I have missed something in the tapestry my life has become: my songwriting.  It's a little prickle in my heart that I am slowly turning to look at now. (Why slowly turn and look?  It's always so tear-jerkingly clear when I pick up the guitar.)

Well.  It's been a really deep few days for me.  I didn't ask for it.  And I don't know what is next.  Maybe more of the same.  Maybe something different.  I keep asking myself, what do I want my life to look like?  Images may surface, but they are absorbed by how I want my life to feel: touchable, down to earth and real. And it does.

I do believe I will be giving up Thrifty Thursdays for a while.  I've been filling up bags from every room, letting stuff go.  Each day- another bag goes back to the local thrift.  (I would love it if someone wanted to take Thrifty Thursday over for a while.  If not, it will have to go into hibernation. )

I so cherish in this moment how many of my readers have truly understood and supported me these last years.  It's been really amazing and it brings a tear to my eye.  You have supported me into someone who can make a family meal, bake muffins, build a coop, watch chicks hatch, grow food, make a compost, watch bees, make my own cleaning products, write a blog, save a(nother) dog, learn to knit, sew (kind of), and proudly raise my family with almost 100% second-hand toys, clothes, furniture, art, dishes and the list goes on. 

Hey- it's simply not a freaking glamorous & clean lifestyle and I don't expect anyone to call it so.  I have gone to bed with dirt under my fingernails many, many a night.  But I have loved these learning years so deeply and I will never forget them. 

So....Thank You.  And I'm looking forward to tomorrow.  Whatever it is.  I'll be here. What it will bring, I do not know.   Maybe a song, maybe a worm bin.  But I so know one thing for sure, my goodness...we will see.

xoxo

bread. jam. sigh.

I have to admit I've been out of the cooking and baking arena for a while.  It happens, and its very depressing.  Evidentally, I lapsed for so long that I forgot how to make my favorite "no-knead" bread.  See, I made some today for Fathers Day and it came out ever-so-slightly not done.  Worse though-it stuck to the pan SO much that I found myself thinking: wow. who wasted their time inventing super glue?  Do you get what I'm saying?  A freaking chisel would not have gotten this loaf out.  Heavy artillery or the world's sharpest machete?  Nope.  Don't waste your time. This loaf is NOT coming out.  And yes, I floured the bottom.  So, it had nothing to do with that.  We don't need to go there. I scooped out the center and top portion of the loaf, asking if anyone would care for a "dough ball" with their eggs.   Sometimes I really wonder if I'll ever mature into a dependable cook.  Sigh. 

I made Strawberry Jam again as well.  I think it turned out better than the bread.  It came out of the pan, at least.   You know those blogs where everything is perfect and recipes and advice are offered?  The ones you can aspire to? This is not that.  Clearly.  But.  I will still give you the jam recipe because it is truly delicious and I know someone will ask how I make it and I've never shared it in the body of the blog (only in response to comments.)  The recipe I show in the book (above) is ever so slightly more complicated.  It offers more steps on making sure the jam is the right consistency and has an option to make it "Lavender Strawberry".  It's this book, and it's great.  My jam is never exactly the right consistency and I'm okay with that.  Yeah.  Guess what?  I'll live knowing my jam is not perfect. Cause it's freaking close, people.  Really close. 

Here's my easy take on Strawberry Jam:

::coarsely cut up 3lbs berries (or apricots, peaches, etc...)
:: boil 1 cup of sugar in 1/2 cup water for about 7 minutes, until center is bubbling (and not just the sides.)
:: add fruit
:: stir a lot for about 15 minutes (on med. heat.)
::pour jam into a bowl that is resting in another bowl of icewater (this will help cool it down faster.)
:: while jam is cooling, grate and stir some lemon zest in it (a tablespoon or less will do.)
::pour into mason jars and let cool to room temp before putting lid on and refrigerating. It will last in fridge for about a month.

Next up?  Butter.  I can't wait to make my own butter.  I got inspired by several other blogs last week and I'm finally going to do it.  I have to buy raw milk for it which costs an arm and a leg.  Don't tell The Brad about the high cost of raw milk cause he'll totally harsh my butter-buzz right off.  And you know what?  After the bread fiasco today...I really don't need that crap.

Oh.  And Happy Fathers Day to my awesome dad ....andto my husband.  Brad.  The one who finds raw milk too expensive.  I love you Brad!  I love you Dad!

edited later to add:  here is a good use for that jam....on top of homemade vanilla bean ice cream...

and don't forget about my funky thrifty giveaway here...I'll keep it open a few more days. what's wrong with y'all?  It's FREE COOL stuff!

XO

week recap.

Summer.  It's my first one with a kid "on Summer break."  I'm excited for all the little plans I have for myself and my girls in the months to come.  I'll share more on that another time.  For now, it's been a very full week; joining Mon for the sunny and cloudy sides of it.

Clouds:
::both The Brad and I being rundown, full of allergies, cranky.
::my Word program (which I didn't have on hardcopy to re-load) crashing, corrupting, etc...in the one and only week    this month I had work due for clients.
::pms and being way too irritated at everyone for no good reason. (whoopsie.)
:: losing veggies to free-ranging chickens and enduring the wrath of The Brad as he built the coop "big enough so that they don't need to come out, woman!"

Sun:
:: watching my joyful 6 year old "graduate" kindergarten (she is bummed it's Summer, she loved Kindergarten that much!)
:: making "homeschooling" plans for my girls this Summer. Yay! I get to homeschool for a few months!
::  a new passion for jumproping (them, not me.)
:: mending an "icky place" with a friend whom I've had for over 25 years.
:: general and unabashed glee about not having to get up at 6:30 a.m. for school for the next month and a half.
:: coffee. (this morning and most others as well. duh!)

also joining Amanda for  this moment 

 P.S. !!!!!  don't forget to join my giveaway!!! 

thrifty thursday (and a giveaway!)

Sorry for the delay in getting today's post up.  The last week of Kindergarten has been more busy than I expected. Please feel free to post your finds today and/or take part in this giveaway (you can take part in the giveaway regardless of whether or not you have a link today.)  I would like to part with this sweet Oil and Vinegar set salvaged at my favorite local thrift.  I will keep the giveaway open all weekend.

Lots of love and Happy Thrifting!  Can't wait to hit those Summer yard sales with you!

le coop.

 
This weekend I was looking in my Free-Range Chicken Garden book (see sidebar) and I was just getting really irritated at all the cute perfect little coops in there.  So I promised myself I would do two things: re-paint the coop and also lug big heavy pavers into it so that one section has "flooring."  I couldn't believe that the author of this book discussed different "flooring" for coops.  Really?  "Flooring?"  Yep.  She has a long ol' list of all kinds.  What happened to good ol' dirt???  Well, people... dirt is out, pavers are in.  If a coop has to have "flooring" in order to be rad and killer, so freaking be it.  And I will not floor the whole coop.  Are you crazy?  How can chickens scratch around on pavers? 

I couldn't come close to lifting the pavers, so I set out to the idea of painting.  What color and how much was I willing to spend on paint?  Well, it all worked out easily as my darling sweet friend Elizabeth, upon hearing my plans, told me she had loads of extra paint. (She always has everything.)

In the end,  she handed me a gallon of green.  And as you can see...green looks very green.  You can not mistake it for another color, you know? I got about half the coop painted and then felt my work was finished for the day.  I texted The Brad (who was at work) a photo of the green coop and he said.  "I like it if you like it."  Well, we know what that means! So I sent him more pictures until he said it looked great.  The truth is, he hated the pictures but liked it when he saw it.  So if you also hate how it looks in the photos, just come over. 

By the way, I'm not doing too shabby with my chicken landscaping according to the book because I have: pea gravel, lavender & rosemary in my garden.  All things that chickens will not destroy!  

I'd love to win an award for raddest chicken coop someday.  But, I know it won't happen because there are all sorts of things wrong with our coop.  We built it before I was fully primed and savvy on cooping. Such a bummer.  For instance: DON'T build a coop up against a fence.  That is unless you want a few inches between the coop and the fence for little mice to have as their own personal freeway.  They are little tiny mice, so the chickens will actually eat them if they somehow cram their little bodies through the wire to get into the coop itself.   

Sigh.  It's not easy to be a farmer.  Coop mistakes, small rodent death.  Being a farmer is not for the faint of heart.   I'd love an acre of land and a few goats in their own large pasture.  I'd love  to start all over again from the bottom up with the coop.   But I'm really Zen about "being with what is, man."  Really.  Freaking. Zen.
In the meantime, I'm putting "flooring" in my coop tomorrow.  And that is that.

XO

 

green juice. just do it.

This is a green juice.  I'm doing my best to down one of these puppies everyday.  This is a very small portion.  I've heard that 36 ounces a day is the key to amazing health.  Not sure about that.  That's a hell of a lot of greens.  It's not totally inexpensive to green juice everyday, unless you grow all your own produce.  I am growing some, but not all.  Plus, a lot of the best organic greenies (chard, kale, lettuce) don't grow well here in our hot summer weather. Dang it, man! Right when I want to start green jucing daily, my lettuce starts to droop and bolt!

The green juice I've been making pretty much daily is is:

Kale
Lettuce
Cucumber
Chard
Apple (helps with the intense taste of straight greens)
Squeeze of Lemon (also helps with taste.)

But today I went on a limb and made:

Tomatoes
Lettuce
Cucumber
Kale
Celery
Squeeze of lemon
Few Shakes of Tabasco

THAT was really yummy.  Not technically 100% green, but still very healthy.  Am I inspiring you to green juice?

Check it: to clear toxins, level your PH, boost immunity, get that digestion working like high class plumbing, make you glow, feel energized, metabolize better and basically climb the Empire State with one hand, supposedly you have to drink a Green Juice once a day.   Or more.  So, I'll see you on top of the Empire real soon!

Oh, and guess what else.  I have a Champion Juicer and it rocks.  You do not need a fancy ass juicer.  Trust me.  Just a Champion off Craigslist will do the trick.  Betcher bottom dollar.  (I got mine second-hand from my neighbor.) And know what else?  Check it: I drink one cup of coffee a day in the morning and I have a glass of wine at night.  And that is that.  I'm not totally perfect. Cause I'm into moderation. Period. End-o story. Wrappin' it up. Ciao.

 

XO