Saturday, January 24, 2009
Food
Lately I've been thinking a lot about food. This came about just following the generally disgusting feeling I had over the holidays as I consumed everything in sight without regard for reasonable portions or the long-term health of my body. Like millions of others (and just like a sheep), I headed out to the bookstore on New Years Day to explore books about diet and to search for an optimistic new beginning.
I have a good friend who is braving a 6-week vegan detox diet. I admire her sense of adventure, and I love it that, when we come over, she still makes my husband ice cream sundaes dripping with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. What a generous hostess she is!
I considered the diet my friend has embarked upon, but decided instead to modify my diet by replacing 50% or more of my meat and dairy calories with vegetable calories. Mark Bittman wrote about his own modified approach to healthy eating here, and I was inspired. He also wrote a book recently, that I'm tempted to buy.
I'm exploring yummy vegetarian Indian recipes, like Aloo Gobi and rice and split pea pancakes.
If you have inspiring recipes to share, please do!
The boys have been cooking too. On the menu: Marshmallow with sea salt and honey, on a bed of green play dough and Grapefruit Honey Soup (see recipe below).
¶ 8:30 AM 8 comments
Lately I've been thinking a lot about food. This came about just following the generally disgusting feeling I had over the holidays as I consumed everything in sight without regard for reasonable portions or the long-term health of my body. Like millions of others (and just like a sheep), I headed out to the bookstore on New Years Day to explore books about diet and to search for an optimistic new beginning.
I have a good friend who is braving a 6-week vegan detox diet. I admire her sense of adventure, and I love it that, when we come over, she still makes my husband ice cream sundaes dripping with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. What a generous hostess she is!
I considered the diet my friend has embarked upon, but decided instead to modify my diet by replacing 50% or more of my meat and dairy calories with vegetable calories. Mark Bittman wrote about his own modified approach to healthy eating here, and I was inspired. He also wrote a book recently, that I'm tempted to buy.
I'm exploring yummy vegetarian Indian recipes, like Aloo Gobi and rice and split pea pancakes.
If you have inspiring recipes to share, please do!
The boys have been cooking too. On the menu: Marshmallow with sea salt and honey, on a bed of green play dough and Grapefruit Honey Soup (see recipe below).
¶ 8:30 AM 8 comments
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Dream for the Cat People
Yesterday, in my son's first grade classroom, the kids had a Freedom Tea. They sat and sipped tea out of styrofoam cups while they listened to Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech. After the speech, they were all invited to the front of the room to share their own I Have a Dream speech. My favorite moment, naturally, was when my own sweet boy stood and told everyone that he dreamed of a world where we could all be friends and everyone would be kind to animals (this part was somewhat odd, since he usually seems indifferent toward our animals, and has otherwise been known to chase them while hollering loudly - just to see them terrified), but whatever. Aside from that touching moment, I loved the little boy who said that his dream was that the dogs would not bark quite so loudly anymore.
Hallelujah, brother!!
I will be celebrating new baby Pearl this week, by presenting her with a Pixie Hat. I love the pixie hat and I will knit others, but for now it's Pearl's Pixie (isn't that sweet?!). Pictures are imminent.
Thanks again to all you lovely babes for tuning in and sending encouragement. It feels good. ¶ 10:55 PM 1 comments
Yesterday, in my son's first grade classroom, the kids had a Freedom Tea. They sat and sipped tea out of styrofoam cups while they listened to Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech. After the speech, they were all invited to the front of the room to share their own I Have a Dream speech. My favorite moment, naturally, was when my own sweet boy stood and told everyone that he dreamed of a world where we could all be friends and everyone would be kind to animals (this part was somewhat odd, since he usually seems indifferent toward our animals, and has otherwise been known to chase them while hollering loudly - just to see them terrified), but whatever. Aside from that touching moment, I loved the little boy who said that his dream was that the dogs would not bark quite so loudly anymore.
Hallelujah, brother!!
I will be celebrating new baby Pearl this week, by presenting her with a Pixie Hat. I love the pixie hat and I will knit others, but for now it's Pearl's Pixie (isn't that sweet?!). Pictures are imminent.
Thanks again to all you lovely babes for tuning in and sending encouragement. It feels good. ¶ 10:55 PM 1 comments
Sunday, January 18, 2009
New Year. New Part of Brain Engaged.
Thanks to all of you for the nice hellos. It surprised me that you were still watching.
My return to the scene was inspired by a great night of talk with a friend who makes me think. I've been exploring lately how refreshing it is to use my brain to really think about things (as opposed using it solely to think up good uses for frozen chicken or for strategizing ways to clean up the cat barf).
I don't mean to whine about the drudgery. I also spend a good deal of my time doing things I love, like having ridiculous conversations with my children, and knitting whenever I'm sitting down.
What I lack right now is balance. I need to read a book. One that makes me think. I need to engage in grown-up conversation. Grown-up conversation that is not all about my children. I need to look outside my little world more.
So, with this new year and this renewed interest in Baby Finds a Kazoo, I hope to step a little outside the crafty world occasionally and try to remember how interesting life can be.
In that spirit, I'm reminded of a movie I saw with the same above-mentioned friend. Before our evening of engaging conversation (and Marble beer drinking), we saw Milk. We talked about what an amazing thing it must have been to live in San Francisco in the early 1970's. It's interesting to note that I actually did live in San Francisco in the early 1970's, but I was a very small toddler, not a gay-rights activist. My parents were young at the time and, somewhat given to peace marches, but I don't know what their take was on the difficulties faced by their neighbors in the Castro. It must have been a crazy time to live in San Francisco. I think I'll ask them to walk down memory lane.
On a where did all the time go note, I was amazed when the movie recalled events that occurred in the later 70's, and I began to have actual flashbacks from my childhood of watching news stories about gay-rights issues and I suddenly remembered my dad and uncles standing around and discussing it. When did I get old enough to remember the history of 30+ years ago?
Thanks to all of you for the nice hellos. It surprised me that you were still watching.
My return to the scene was inspired by a great night of talk with a friend who makes me think. I've been exploring lately how refreshing it is to use my brain to really think about things (as opposed using it solely to think up good uses for frozen chicken or for strategizing ways to clean up the cat barf).
I don't mean to whine about the drudgery. I also spend a good deal of my time doing things I love, like having ridiculous conversations with my children, and knitting whenever I'm sitting down.
What I lack right now is balance. I need to read a book. One that makes me think. I need to engage in grown-up conversation. Grown-up conversation that is not all about my children. I need to look outside my little world more.
So, with this new year and this renewed interest in Baby Finds a Kazoo, I hope to step a little outside the crafty world occasionally and try to remember how interesting life can be.
In that spirit, I'm reminded of a movie I saw with the same above-mentioned friend. Before our evening of engaging conversation (and Marble beer drinking), we saw Milk. We talked about what an amazing thing it must have been to live in San Francisco in the early 1970's. It's interesting to note that I actually did live in San Francisco in the early 1970's, but I was a very small toddler, not a gay-rights activist. My parents were young at the time and, somewhat given to peace marches, but I don't know what their take was on the difficulties faced by their neighbors in the Castro. It must have been a crazy time to live in San Francisco. I think I'll ask them to walk down memory lane.
On a where did all the time go note, I was amazed when the movie recalled events that occurred in the later 70's, and I began to have actual flashbacks from my childhood of watching news stories about gay-rights issues and I suddenly remembered my dad and uncles standing around and discussing it. When did I get old enough to remember the history of 30+ years ago?
Labels: life in general
¶ 8:50 PM 3 comments
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Hello out there!
After a long hiatus, I feel an urge to connect with my blog. It has been too long. I wonder if any of my old friends are still watching...
During this long time away from Baby Finds a Kazoo, I've been knitting plenty and mommying a whole lot and trying to find balance in my everyday. Tonight I had a long, satisfying heart-to-heart with a good friend with whom I share a special connection and understanding. My time reflecting with her, on life and all it's good and dark parts, inspired me to come here and post a hello.
Here is a picture to share a tiny fraction of my view over these past months.
send a hello if you can! Happy new year to all. ¶ 12:59 AM 7 comments
After a long hiatus, I feel an urge to connect with my blog. It has been too long. I wonder if any of my old friends are still watching...
During this long time away from Baby Finds a Kazoo, I've been knitting plenty and mommying a whole lot and trying to find balance in my everyday. Tonight I had a long, satisfying heart-to-heart with a good friend with whom I share a special connection and understanding. My time reflecting with her, on life and all it's good and dark parts, inspired me to come here and post a hello.
Here is a picture to share a tiny fraction of my view over these past months.
send a hello if you can! Happy new year to all. ¶ 12:59 AM 7 comments
Sunday, July 13, 2008
My heavens, he's six.
We spent the birthday at Petroglyph National Monument counting millipedes, chasing jackrabbits and attempting to keep our eyes and mouths shut for 5 whole minutes while paying careful attention to the sounds around us. The suggestion of five minutes of silence was offered in the Junior Ranger Guide Book given to us at the park Information Center. Our silence lasted exactly 6 seconds. The guide book was evidently not written by a person who has ever spent time in nature with any real junior rangers.
At the end of the adventure, both my boys were awarded a very official Junior Ranger Badge and a Certificate. It was thrilling. A fabulous way to spend a day that I cherish with two of the people I cherish most.
Last weekend we drove up to Castlerock and Denver for family celebrations and to deliver a knitted hound to our new 5 month old cousin, Orion.
Pattern: The Handsome Hound
By: Lucinda Guy from Handknits for Kids
Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky, pea green 109,
Malabrigo Merino Worsted, Azul Profundo
needles: size 7
We spent the birthday at Petroglyph National Monument counting millipedes, chasing jackrabbits and attempting to keep our eyes and mouths shut for 5 whole minutes while paying careful attention to the sounds around us. The suggestion of five minutes of silence was offered in the Junior Ranger Guide Book given to us at the park Information Center. Our silence lasted exactly 6 seconds. The guide book was evidently not written by a person who has ever spent time in nature with any real junior rangers.
At the end of the adventure, both my boys were awarded a very official Junior Ranger Badge and a Certificate. It was thrilling. A fabulous way to spend a day that I cherish with two of the people I cherish most.
Last weekend we drove up to Castlerock and Denver for family celebrations and to deliver a knitted hound to our new 5 month old cousin, Orion.
If you've never driven between Albuquerque and Denver during spectacular thunderstorms, you really must. In particular, the stunning area between Las Vegas and Raton, where we saw rain streaming down across hundreds of miles and drove through rain so loud that we could no longer hear the kids asking us how much longer till we get there.
Pattern: The Handsome HoundBy: Lucinda Guy from Handknits for Kids
Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky, pea green 109,
Malabrigo Merino Worsted, Azul Profundo
needles: size 7
Aside from the ridiculous amount of time I spent finishing this baby up at the absolute last minute (in the car on the way to the shower, 45 minutes late), it was adorable and I was happy to see that it strongly resembles the baby's real live dog. The baby's parents naturally assumed that I had very thoughtfully and intentionally made the handsome hound in the likeness of their adorable little dog. I said nothing to dissuade them.
As for baby Orion, he immediately began sucking on the hound's protruding nose. Approval indeed.
As for baby Orion, he immediately began sucking on the hound's protruding nose. Approval indeed.
Labels: life in general, Toys
¶ 11:16 PM 4 comments
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Itchy Wool in June
It's a true sign of an overboard knitter that she is willing to pile stacks of wool on her sweaty lap in the middle of June. Even more proof of her devotion: wearing the itchy wool shrug on a 95 degree day.
Pattern: Top Down Shrug
By: Anne Lecrivain-Cozzoli of Moonlight Stitches
size: 40-42
Yarn: New Zealand Wool Pak (formerly known as Baabajoes Wool Pak), blue
needles: size 13
The needles were too big for this yarn. The fabric is loose and lacks backbone. I think I'll reknit it with size 11 and knit the next size up. As it is, I just needed to finish knitting this quickly so I could wear it as a sample and offer it as a pattern choice for my first intermediate knitting class. The students chose between this shrug, a baby cardigan and a simple, but lovely shawl. All choices feature top-down construction. This shrug pattern is perfect for the class because it is offered in several sizes, and it gives instructions for three sleeve lengths.
Father's Day was an inspiring event around here. The big boy loves sewing pillows (thank you very much Montessori school), and he decided that his dad needed a new pillow with a pocket for keeping his guitar picks. The pocket came from the rear of an adorable pair of corduroys worn by both he and his brother. I was so attached to these trousers that I patched the knees twice for each boy and I was clinging to them for a memory quilt project that I'll probably never get around to making. Seriously, picture low-rise corduroy Levi's on a 2 year old!
Father's Day was an inspiring event around here. The big boy loves sewing pillows (thank you very much Montessori school), and he decided that his dad needed a new pillow with a pocket for keeping his guitar picks. The pocket came from the rear of an adorable pair of corduroys worn by both he and his brother. I was so attached to these trousers that I patched the knees twice for each boy and I was clinging to them for a memory quilt project that I'll probably never get around to making. Seriously, picture low-rise corduroy Levi's on a 2 year old!
Labels: crafty kiddos, sweaters for me
¶ 10:42 AM 4 comments
Sunday, June 15, 2008
lumpy beauty
Allow me to introduce my first-ever handspun yarn. I don't think I can sufficiently describe the pleasure I am deriving from this tiny skein of yarn. I feel very proud.
My teachers Consuela and Mary were very patient with me. I learned on my friend Tina's gorgeous patio . We sat there spinning, sipping wine, and nibbling on canoli and natillas for dessert with the Sandia Mountains glowing pink in the distance. My goodness.
Happy Father's Day!
Allow me to introduce my first-ever handspun yarn. I don't think I can sufficiently describe the pleasure I am deriving from this tiny skein of yarn. I feel very proud.My teachers Consuela and Mary were very patient with me. I learned on my friend Tina's gorgeous patio . We sat there spinning, sipping wine, and nibbling on canoli and natillas for dessert with the Sandia Mountains glowing pink in the distance. My goodness.
Happy Father's Day!
Labels: life in general, spinning
¶ 10:28 AM 3 comments
