Happy Labor Day

Series: Sunflower No. 4

Do you know this song? (Actually, see sidebar.) The version I really like the best is by The Commitments (love that movie). I've been searching for a song to walk into the ceremony to. A song that maybe symbolizes our feelings for each other. Unfortunately, neither of us are into sentimental songs. We don't have an "our song". We don't have a song that I hear and think of "us". Anyway, I've been searching for a song, something other than the 'brides walk' music. Its so not me. And, I keep coming back to this song. Why did it pop into my head? I don't know. Why does it feel like the right thing? I don't know. Is it even appropriate? I don't know. Does that matter? I don't know. Its supposed to be all about us and I am at a loss and just keep coming back to this.

Do you have an opinion? What do you think?

Seriously, I need help my sisters!

Do Right Woman, Do Right Man

Take her to heart -- And she'll love you forever -- And nobody can make her do wrong -- But take her for granted, leaving your love unshown -- Makes will power weak and temptation strong

A woman's only human -- This you should understand -- She's not just a plaything -- She's flesh and blood, just like her man -- And if you want a do right all day woman -- You've gotta be a do right all night man

Just Wednesday

On photos and me

I inherently take (as in, the photos I'm in) horrid pictures. I'm just not photogenic. Capturing me static is like, well, there's not much like it 'cause I just go all rigid and always look frightened and self-conscious and well, really uncomfortable. The thought that has been looming heavily and more and more heavily each day, is the fact that I'm getting married soon and one of the things that happens at weddings, is a lot of photos of the bride and groom. Picture me really worried and scared. I mean, these photos will have to last me (us, my family and friends) a life time. Oy Vey doesn't even come close. Imagine my delight when I ask our photographer (Jackie) if she has any remant photos of Mister and I from previous functions at which she has taken photos. She did, does and I am so happy. I look like a normal person, happy and alive and not shocked or looking for a place to run and hide. Its amazing. She is an amazing photographer and my stress level about our wedding photos has been racheted down a notch because I know she'll be there taking the photos and she has, proof positive, taken decent photos of me. Because, you know its all about me.

Me, Me, Me and Me & Sister-in-law.

Can you imagine! I'm going to have "in-laws". I Love It.

Kisses ya'll. Its a happy day and I'm grasping it with full force 'cause all the days lately aren't cake, candy, pie and ice cream. Fo' shizzle. HA, caffeine. Gets me every time. Ciao!

Series: Sunflower No. 3

Just when you think things may be ok, they aren't. And you know that they will be again, 'cause they have to be. I mean, they have to be. But, even though you know things 'will be' ok, it doesn't make the now, the unpleasant, uncomfortable, rather unbearable now any better. You still have to go through it. You still have to be in the now whether you want to be here or not. Promises of someday things will be ok, no matter how true they are, don't make now better. Well, maybe a little better. I mean if you know things will get better, cause they have to get better, you're more likely to work on the now than if you don't know things will be ok. If you didn't have an incling that things would be ok, then you'd just pack up your stuff and go on an extended vacation. You'd just do it. Why would you not? If you truly thought things weren't going to be better, why stay. It would be insanity to stay if you thought things would never get better, never return to bliss, or at the very least true happiness. Difficult weekend. I'm sure its me, but, that fact doesn't make it any less difficult.

Pie

Blackberry season has just about gotten past me. In that light, we went to the farmers' market and bought a flat of - not so great 'cause the season is almost over - berries.

Blackberry Pie - this time

(its always a little different)

Crust

>> 1 c EarthBalance Shortening

>> 2 c flour

>> 1 tsp sugar

>> dash salt

>> cold water

Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients until they are a pretty fine meal texture. Then add the water in tablespoons. I then gently work the dough with my hands adding more water until the dough starts to stick together and makes a ball. Roll half out and place it in the bottom of whatever pan you are using. Roll out the other half of the dough and let sit.

Filling

>> Blackberries

>> sugar

>> flour

>> cinnamon >> EarthBalance Margarine

>> Milk - I use soy or rice

I don't measure this stuff. 4-5 cups of berries (ish) and the sugar amount depends on how sweet the berries are. The more tart the berries, the more sugar. I'm guessing usually between 1/4 and 1/3 cup. Also, the flour is what makes the pie thicken. I probably put in 1/4 cup (ish) plus a dash or two of cinnamon, depending on my mood. Fold all this together and pour into crusted pie plate. I then add a couple pats of margarine on top of that, it adds some sweetness. Take the other half of the dough that you've rolled out and place it on top, crimping the edges, cutting off the extra then pierce the top (in a decorative pattern if you so desire). I brush the top w/ the milk then sprinkle lightly with sugar. Just makes the top crust a little prettier. Tent the top of the pie with aluminum foil. This keeps the crust from burning. I usually take the foil off about half way through baking time so the top can brown.

I bake the pie at about 400 for 10 minutes (this sort of sets up the bottom crust so the berries don't bleed through) then reduce the temp to 350 or 375 (I know!! I should write a cookbook) and bake for about another 45 minutes. It depends on your oven. I just bake it until the berries are juicy and flowing over the edge of the pie plate and onto the bottom of the oven creating a slight burning smoke that fills the house.

I really should follow an actual recipe, but, eh, not on my list of things to do.

PS - Yes, that is my "Oy Vey" coffee mug. Reserved for special use only, large mug o' Joe w/Bailey's and Kahlua. Much needed this weekend.

So then... Leftover Pie Crust Pinwheels

...when you are done making your pie, you'll most likely, if you're like me, have left over pie dough scraps. Here's what I've done with them since I was little. Take the left over dough, roll it out. Spread margarine then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

Roll them un, cinnamon roll style...

...bake at 375-400 for 15 - 20 minutes.

Eat, enjoy.

Experiment

It's Saturday. I ran errands all morning. Over it! Also, drink of choice today, Absolut Ruby Red w/pink lemonade. Ok, Yum and its pink!!

Don't know how this works. So this is a test. Enjoy my little leapin' lemur's hello to all.

Series: Sunflower No. 2

Friday. Its been one of those weeks that seem to drag on and on and on ad infinitum.

I am a coffee addict right now. Well, not just right now, but for the last several weeks and for the foreseeable weeks also.

Harley is autonomous during the days now. Mister has installed a cat door and Harley is free range. Its a good thing. But, given we live on a busy street with a bus line (thank you dilapidated Sellwood Bridge!!!) it makes me nervous.

Stuff on the schedule for this weekend inre wedding planning: Shoes, undergarments, guest book, table linen decisions, working out on the elliptical and I may get my energy on and go run stairs at Mt. Tabor. I used to do that every weekend when I lived on the east side (15ish years ago, YIKES!) Ahhh, but I was pretty solid in those days [speaking of but(ts)]. So, in memory of those leaner days and the thought of putting on a wedding dress in 58 (but who's counting) days, I may get my sorry buttinsky over there and walk (most likely not run) a few stairs. I've also got to return ties, pick up the brides maid's dress and figure out how to ship it to her, start addressing invitations, go to my house and pick up a few more things to bring 'home', write some meaningful vows, find a song to "enter, stage rear and center", (ideas anyone on this item?) Ok, so on with the list, finish registering, call towncar guy, visit then choose a honeymoon suite, think a little bit about rehearsal dinner and, well, I'm sure there'll be more, but that's all I can deal with right now. In fact, its more than I'll be able to deal with in just one weekend. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

There's also the trying to find quality time to hang with Mister.

I hope your weekend(s) are wonderful and stress free and relaxing and happy and sunny.

Series: Sunflower No. 1

Ahhh, normalcy

...or at least trying to get some of it back.

Living with another person after living by myself for (ahem) something like 15 years, isn't easy. It's not because I don't want to be with Mister, because I do. But I have a great need and desire to have much (any) time to myself. I am, lets' face it, a little selfish on this front. I don't think its bad to be this kind of selfish, its just not easy on the mood when I don't get what I want, need. So, Mister is the one who suffers for it. I don't want him to be gone just for the sake of being gone. I like being with him. That's why I've agreed to foresake all others with him. Its one of those double edged swords kind of thing. I want him there, but I want my alone time. Oy, girly much?

I'm sure I'll get used to it. It will just take time, right?

Happy Friday

Breakfast of Champions

Its not much, but its all I have to share this morning.

I realized yesterday that I don't have any new flower photos. They are my favorite to take during the spring and summer. I've been too busy. Yesterday I was asked to consult for one of our newly formed Condo Owner's Association. At first I thought, well, that would be great to have a few extra dollars right now when I need them a lot and it would be easy money. This morning as I was thinking about my day and what it will entail, personally, not including the work day, I realized, I've got no time for that kind of thing. I have a homeowner's meeting tonight for my neighborhood, which I really should attend since I'm the treasurer and should not only report, but hand over all the treasurer stuff since I won't be living there much more. My point being, if I don't have enough time in the day to take care of those things that are important to me, it seems silly to add another responsibility even if that one would be a paying gig.

Hence, breakfast of champions to get me headed in the right direction. It had nothing to do with the fact that I have no new fun photos and exactly nothing to say outside my caffeinated rambling, which by now, you should be pretty used to.

Equal Exchange french roast.

(I sort of wish it was equal exchange french toast,

but that isn't going to happen.

But, doesn't that sound good!)

Mmmmmmmmmm coffee.

Elixir as it were.

I need good coffee this morning.

Boring, but tasty and healthy organic, non-gmo grains.

Much needed energy packed into those flakes.

Also non-gmo soy milk.

I don't think organic though.

Ooops!

Ciao bellas!

Update: This week

Purchased a wedding dress!! That one, when I think about it, makes me nervous and sick to my stomach and weepy. I think its because I never really intended to have a 'wedding' dress. I just wanted something sweet and simple and pretty. Well, that didn't happen and a real wedding dress did and holy cow. I also think its because pretty much everything else is really just party planning. But, this dress isn't something you'd wear to a regular party. Its a one time use only item. I know it sounds silly, but it reminds me in a very specific way, I'm actually getting married, thing overwhelms me. I know that most girls between the age of, oh, lets say 7 through 25, plan this day to the very detail. Not me. I've never planned this. This is my trial run. But its also the real deal. The things that are coming together are my first thoughts on it and are happening daily. And it will be my last one, I won't do it again. I am having fun doing it. You know, on those days between the days when I'm stressed. But, its a one time shot for me. I have full confidence we'll weather all storms and if for some unknown reason we don't, I'm over it. I'm not being melodramatic, (believe it or not) I just won't go through this process again.

Anyway.

Have sort of pretty much chosen our officiant. It will be a circuit court judge. This will disappoint several members of my family. But, it is what it is. So there you go.

Started working on our vows. Well, I downloaded some templates and asked Mister to actually think about what he wants to say to me. What is it he wants to promise and then uphold. Oh, and I have to do the same. Its really hard when you come right down to the actual words. I love him and I want to be with him every day and snuggle with him every night and be honest and caring and do it all in good health, and probably sickness. Just kidding... Yes, in sickness too!! I just have to have some humor, cause, its how I deal, its how I roll. Oy, losing it here.

Moving on.

We signed the catering contract and wrote a check for 25% down. That's serious business my friends. But, the food should be really great. The caterers and I (and Mister) met at the venue last evening to go over the details of table placement and bar and food tables and cake tables and decaf coffee and on and on. The caterers showed up with one of the hors d'oeuvre that we have on our menu that we didn't get to taste during our tasting. They had made the same asian curried chicken wrapped in endive for another event the day before and brought some for us to sample. It was so nice of them, plus it was 6:30 and I was hungry so, that helped. Wonderful people.

I purchased online (cause inet purchasing is so much fun and less expensive than going to the regular store and exciting because you never know if your items will actually appear) the disposable wedding cameras and cute wedding favors (sort of), of which will be a secret until post nuptials. Something has to be a mystery, right?!

That might be it.

... and its only Wednesday.

Happy Birthday

Dominique

I hope your day and the coming year are all you wish for.

L,

Me

Just Watched: 2001: A Space Odyssey

BORING! Yawn, yawn, yawn and here, let me catch some zzzz's while this movie is BORING us all to death.

Seriously! I guess maybe I'm the last holdout to have not seen this movie. And now that I have, oh that I could have those hours of my life back again.

The movie is two and a half hours long, of that time I know I slept quite a bit. I read this review this morning in an attempt to understand the ending and to have someone tell me what I missed and why the movie is deemed to be so fantastic. After reading the explanantion, I realized that even though I had slept, I missed exactly nothing.

I guess now I will understand some of those obscure references that I've missed all these years. I specifically remember Space Balls, The Simpsons and probably a Saturday Night Live sketch that play on this movie. So, that's a positive spin on me having watched it.

This movie is something like a cult classic. People love! this movie. I don't get it. Maybe you had to see it when you were on some fun drugs and that made it great. If someone, anyone can explain the wonder of this movie to me, I would greatly appreciate it.

Ok, now that I've gone on and on about the badness, given that the movie was made in 1968 by Stanley Kubrik, some of the cinematography or whatever you call it was pretty cool. Walking on walls and no gravity kind of stuff.

Still boring though.

Just Watched: The Illusionist

Edward Norton, not much more needs to be said. I just think he is an amazing actor. I put him in the ranks of Gary Oldman and (believe it or not) actually, pre-Brangelina, Brad Pitt (Thelma & Louise, 7 Yrs in Tibet, Legends of the Fall, Meet Joe Black, Fight Club, Snatch, just as an example). Anyway, just think Mr. Norton has a gift.

The movie...Is it a chick flick? Maybe. Its hard for me to know sometimes. I'm not a chick flick sort of gal and at the same time, I sometimes find myself liking them whether I want to or not. I'm what I like to call mercurial about movies.

I liked this movie. Its predictable and you pretty much know where its going, but you still want to go through the motions to get there. I consider that a good thing. A peasant boy falls in love with a royal girl. The royals do all they can to separate the little sweethearts, but in the end win (they have all the money and power). Flash forward in time a few years and they meet again under difficult circumstances, of course. You know, the more I think about this movie, definitely a chick flick. Anyway, I don't want to say more because it would give too much away. Just know, a nice love story with some fun twists.

If you're happy and you know it, post a blog (or would it be blog a post?)

I am happy sometimes. What I mean is the type of happy that is more than just the everyday satisfied with life happy. The type where you say to yourself, “I’m happy” and you smile. Its nice and novel for me. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I think I’m a pretty fortunate person and as a general rule a happy person, I just don’t often enough stop and smell the happiness. You know?

I’ve been doing my best to be aware of these moments as they come to me. This is one of those moments.

Update: Yet another

Accomplishments this weekend:

Tried on wedding dresses. So, when you aren't a size 2, this is a traumatic experience. In the end, found three rather fabulous choices. Will make the final decision in the next couple weeks.

Maid of honor dress. Also a lot of looking and trying on and fortunately for me a friend with a great attitude about the whole hideous process. In the end found an amazing dress. Its so sweet with a silk overlay and hand painted flowers.

Purchased my jewelry. I don't just buy jewelry on an every day basis, but needed something sparkly for our special day. Found this beautiful necklace, bracelet, earring set for more money than I would ever have normally spent, but had to have. Because, I'm worth it.

Decided on the wine. We are going with a Vin Blanc and a Merlot from Dry Hollow. The owner is the brother of the maid of honor and someone I've known for years and years. When I told him Mister and I got engaged, he offered his winery, free of charge, for our event. Unfortunately, its an hour and a half east of Portland. That's a little ways too far, we thought, to ask our friends and family to go for a Sunday afternoon. But, what a wonderful offer that was.

That may be just about it. It took two entire days, I know that.

Preview

The Historic Overlook House

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

I hope it's this wonderful in late October.

I am getting excited. Things are coming together.

We met with the photographer, Jackie, on Tuesday. She's just fabulous. I met her a couple years ago at another wedding in Los Gatos. She was the best friend of the bride. We got to talking and the next thing you know, she's from my home town. I used to babysit these two cute little girls and one of them turns out to have been friends of this woman Jackie when she was in high school. Anyway, small world is my point. So, I've gotten to know Jackie over the last couple years and she's so much fun and has super personality. But, I go on.

Its just one more detail wrapped up.

Summer - - - Mmmm Mmmm Good

I love summer foods. They are fresh and have tons of flavor and there are so many more options. Right now, blueberries are on my daily list of things to eat. Lots of antioxidants and let me tell you at this age, well, at any age, you need those antioxidants.