Color Project - Week I: Orange cinq

Once you start looking around, there are an inordinate number of orange objects everywhere. You may think, hmmm, lots of easy photos just sitting there for the taking. But, since I am neither Ansel Adams nor MC the beauty and mystery of orange was sort of lost this week. Yes, yes, I am still trying and haven't given up, just saying my visions of amazing, knock-you-off-your-seat orange photos didn't quite pan out as I had envisioned.

So, as inspired as I tried to be this week, following are the best of the failures from the week. Oh yes, there were worse.

I sort of like this one of the pumpkin sprinkles. It might just be because I like the sprinkles. They'll make their way onto some tasty sugar cookies in the near future.

I think this may have had potential, but what that potential was, I couldn't tell you.

Ok, well, see you next week for two color photos.

xo

Color Project - Week I: Orange quatre

My photography muscles are the perverbial 90lb weakling. Its difficult to photograph jewelry though! Believe it or not, this is a VERY orange amber. But, alas, not coming through in the photos. Trying counts? I would give myself a "c" for effort on this.

Color Project - Week I: Orange Trois

The obvious orange

Color Project - Week I: Orange Deux

I walked to the grocery last night - how wonderful is that - I love being able to WALK to the grocery store. I just put on a backpack and make sure my list of needed items (olive ciabatta, pepitas, chicken breasts, soy milk) is short and off I go. Its strange to say, but it is such a wonderful feeling. Anyway, on my walk I searched for 'orange' things to photograph. I thought "hmm, orange, that will be an easy color this time of year", well, I guess not so much. I found some wild orange flowers of some sort, but didn't want to walk up some strangers driveway to get the shot. I may go back if I can't find anything else. I hope I can keep this up. Its only day two, how pathetic am I? (Again, rhetorical!) Anyway, I guess my photography muscles just need to stretch a little and that would be the point of this adventure. No pain, no gain and all that rot. (In case you missed it, use an english accent, it makes saying 'rot' a lot more fun.)

New: Color Project - Week I: Orange

Every once in a while I realize, no one wants to know what I had for breakfast. Well, that could actually be wrong 'cause there's this entire blog of nothing but what this woman had for breakfast and I check it out nearly every day, and that may say more about me than I want it to, but I'm not the only one reading that blog so I feel pretty comfortable with it. But, I digress. I've been trying to come up with an occasional theme or topic that may be interesting to readers and also to challenge myself to step outside the 'here's the wedding update' posts and to focus on something specific in my photography.

So, I don't know how it will work out, but I have a new limited time 'assignment' for this blog. Heaven knows I can't stick with one thing for too long. Anway, so the assignment and the challenge to anyone who may be reading this here blog and happen to have your own blog and even if you don't have a blog, maybe this is a good time to start one. Simple, easy, no fuss, no muss. Just sayin'....

Anyway. The assignment is this: One week of predominantly one color photographs, one week of two color photographs, one week of three color photographs. Ok, that's where it stops. The challenge (can you tell I've been thinking about this quite a lot) could be shaped in a lot of ways. The first week could, for example, focus on only red for a week, then the second week could be adding one color to red. Is it the same color every time or must it be a new color? And so on and so on. Or the first week could have a rule that each day must be a different color. The possibilities are really endless.

Have fun with it, take pictures, post photos, let me know how its going. I really am interested in what ya'll come up with. So, in that light, here goes. ORANGE

Just Links and Nostalgia

The 70's kids television. The end of a great era in teevee. If you grew up in this era, totally check out the link. There were shows listed that I'd never heard of, but a lot of shows I'd forgotten about that I watched and loved. I thought the Land of the Lost was the coolest show ever.

Another fun looking site on '70's cartoons. The Flintstones - can you get more classic than that? I think not. Superfriends, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids!! Galloping Ghost, Great Grape Ape, Hair Bear Bunch, seriously - Hong Kong Phooey - how flippin' funny is that when you think back. What was the name of those little blue people with white clothing and there was a bad guy with a cat named Azreal - or something. Funny, I only remember the cat's name. Oy! (Hmm now that I think about it, that may have been an '80's show.) Speed Buggy, Speed Racer, Captain Caveman (I can hear the words now). The list goes on and on. I was always a Road Runner fan too, but that may have been the '60's. Frightening.

School house rock! Enough said there. Superfantastico! That is how I learned how a bill becomes a law amongst many other important political knowledge(s). Is there stuff on teevee for kids these days that will stand the test of time like this? Really, I don't have kids, so I don't know.

Time for Timer. Did you learn stuff from this little weird guy? I remember watching this stuff and wanting to make the orange ice cube tray popsickles. And wondering, if some little guy that looked like that actually lived in our kitchen. I'd never seen him, but then you never saw people in his cartoon, so maybe they just avoided each other. Hey, I was a kid, what did I know.

Yom Kippur begins at sundown. This day of atonement interests me. Just one day to fast and pray and repent and walk away clean and renewed and fresh...I guess...sort of. Its interesting, Christians are called to do this every day. I guess either way taking a look at our actions and how they affect others and how we should probably endeavor to be more... more... well, I'm not sure - gentle, kind, less harmful to others - something to ponder. Seems it would be something different to everyone. Anyway, fasting and praying all over the world tomorrow in a concentrated effort. That's got to be good energy, right?

I guess since this post got serious, sort of, check this out. It is a link to an interesting site, albeit political, its not an in your face political, just a "hmm, that IS interesting" site. You answer a few questions then click the "find your candidate button" and the program selects the candidate who's position on the issues is most like your own. You may be surprised at what you find. I was.

I guess that's it for this Friday. Have a wonderful weekend ya'll.

xo

Unless you count this... does this totally ring a bell or what? It did for me. I was checking out the site above, you know, just clicking away as per usual and clicked on the Bay City Roller's. I don't ever remember watching that show and don't remember anything about it but as soon as I clicked on "witchie-poo" (see photo below) she was completely familiar. Weird, huh?!

So why is it that whenever teevee wants someone to be considered nerdy or plain, they put glasses on them and then when they turn into their hot, hunky alter ego, the glasses miraculously go away.

Morning on this Thursday 9/20/07

Four years ago today, Nick and I met. Its pretty neat. Tonight, we are having drinks then dinner at The Portland City Grill...

The Portland City Grill. Enjoy spectacular views at Portland's most popular restaurant, offering USDA Prime steaks, fresh Hawaiian Pacific Coast and Alaskan seafood prepared with classic, Northwest, island, and Asian influences. Fabulous views of downtown Portland and the Cascade Mountains. Our complete sushi menu features traditional sushi, sashimi, and a broad selection of classic and contemporary rolls.

The restaurant in on the 30th floor. I doubt I'll remember, but maybe I'll try to be one of those bloggers I read that take their cameras with them to restaurants and photograph their food. I always like those pics.

Anyway... the last four years what can I say. Mister has been amazing and wonderful and cute and loving and trying and exhausting and I'm so glad we met and have had this journey together. Our next step, marriage in 31 days. Can you believe it! Time really does fly right on by.

I will endeavor (again) to enjoy every moment for the moments don't repeat themselves.

Happy dining to all and ...

Happy Anniversary my Mister. Thank you for all you've taught me and all we will be together in the future.

Just Watched: The Future of Food

The Future of Food. A documentary.

Watch it. You won't regret it. Your thought process may change, it may not. At the very least its something to consider.

Genetically engineered food - is it for you? Is it for anyone? What are the real consequences? Does anyone really know? How can, in this day and age, one large corporation control so many individuals?

It really is an eye opening look at the food we eat every day and how we, as consumers, do have a choice and can have an impact. Unfortunately, its takes educating ourselves (because no one is going to do it for us) and making the difficult choices and for a lot of us to do it all at once and continually.

Anyway, I don't really want to be on a soap box of any sort. Just watch the movie and watch it with an open mind. Listen to what is said and take or leave what you want. But watch it whether you agree or not. Education is the only way we can make informed decisions, no matter what side of the coin we each decide upon.

Just Read: The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Author: Kim Edwards

Its touted as "stunning" and "brilliantly crafted" by the publisher. That was not my first thought (nor my next) as I read this book. The story as a whole I found mildly interesting and not that I'm an english major, but to me, some of the writing was, well, let's just say it was trying. I think when a book is a best seller that the writing and analogy and imagery choices made by the author shouldn't be repetitive. I can't give you an example right now, but I remember, in more than one instance, thinking, "didn't she just use this description about something else?" I just don't particularly care for books that make me think about the writing style and form. I'm not in english lit class any more. When I read fiction, I just want to be entertained and taken away from my brain for little bits of my day. I don't want to find myself analyzing anything.

That said, the book is titled after the daughter in the book who is born with Downs Syndrome and given away at birth by the doctor/father who does not tell the mother, who has been drugged for the birth. The story ends up being about the father, the mother, the brother, the mother's sister, the adoptive mother and maybe some other people, but very little about the actual daughter.

I really want to have good things to say and its likely I just missed something obvious about this book that made other people think it was so amazing.

It could have been a wonderful, touching, heart-wrenching story. I see the potential. It just wasn't delivered, at least not to me.

What's that old saying, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." So, I'll just end this now because I feel a little bad since I'm not a real critic and what do I really know about anything book related. I just know what entertains me, that's all.

the long haul ~ edition XV

so just because i'm cranky and in a bad mood doesn't mean i have the right, nay the obligation, to spread the ugliness to all. i was sure if i spread it around there'd be less for me to have to deal with, but nope. it just means i feel worse because i've made made the world just a little less nicer place to be. you know, the whole 'pay it forward' thing. well, it works with negativity too. so, in that light, i'll do what i can do deal with the nastiness that pervades my cells this day/week so as to keep the world a nicer place.

i am officially insane. the promise of padded walls and injected drugs are my only solace.

don't you love pms. i certainly do.

Oh, that's right!

Enter whine here - click out now if you so desire

You were warned.

Anyway... In addition to the wedding planning and honeymoon planning and the physical moving of domicile there's the changing of the address on everything. All the people you know, this includes close friends and those people you correspond with once a year at Christmastime, all the magazines you read, all your utilities, charitable organizations, medical, insurance, automobile, driver's license, voter's registration... I know I'm forgetting something. You submit your change of address to the US Post Office and you wonder why you still aren't getting mail at the new address after 2 weeks. Well, that's because its all over at the old address. Even though you received two confirmations (one at the old address and one at the new) from the USPS. So, that was about a week ago, and I made the appropriate phone call and obtained the appropriate confirmation number for said phone call and yet, no mail being forwarded. What is up with that?

I just can't believe how many entities and people out there have and need my address. These people need to know where to find me, need to know how to be in contact with me. Its strange.

Thank goodness I'm not changing my name. I can't even imagine how that nightmare goes.

Another whirlwind trip to the Bay area this weekend. My sister and her hubby have been married for 25 years this month and the families are throwing an anniversary party. 25 Years! Congratulations!

Focus

...even if its just on the weeds.

.

I know, I know

...seriously, it is all about us on our day, but in reality, when I think of our future which is what this day really is all about, I want to have peace in the family and making someone upset over a 30 second song, not worth it. So, in that light, we (Mister and I) have the number of the pianist and are talking with him directly and I think this may end up as our song. We both like it, its saucy and slow danceable for our future. I actually love Heather Nova's music, just forgot about her. So this is a good thing.

HEATHER NOVA lyrics

I also like this, but it may be a bit over sauced.

HEATHER NOVA lyrics

Is it possible to be more wishy washy than this? Hello! Rhetorical!!

What? Nothing for Dinner?

The age old question begs answering... What's for dinner? When you are tired of take out - not that we do that all that often, but, I'm just more of a cook at home gal, so once a week/weekend is more than enough for me for takeout - and time is of the essence, being creative is a necessity. It, well for me, doesn't always turn out as stellar or memorable in a good way. But, once in awhile, once in a blue moon when the stars are aligned just so, dinner on the fly is amazing. Well, that was my plight this very evening. I open the fridge and there seems to be nothing. Nothing that fits the dinner mold in our household anyway.

So, that said, this may sound a little strange, but, let me tell you (vegetarians run for cover and/or modify at will given what you have in your fridge).

Food ala Nothing in the Fridge'

• Angel hair pasta - al dente (or however you like it)
• 1/3 cup Good quality olive oil - I like to use Spectrum, but that's just me
• 3 cloves garlic - minced
• 2 Tbsp (or more) dried Rosemary
• 2 Tbsp (or more) dried Basil
• 1/2 white onion chopped
• 1 anaheim pepper (green) coursely chopped
• 2 large perfectly ripe and tasty (this is really important) very coursely chopped
this is where you may get scared, but, remember, I was cleaning out the fridge and being creative and trust me, it turned out really good...
• 4 slices smoked turkey lunchmeat
• 10 (or so) slices.... (throat clearing...... can't believe I'm admitting this...) pepperoni

Warm the olive oil, garlic, rosemary and basil in a large saucepan. Just heat up the pan enough to start the aromas of the herbs to emanate. On my stove its just below medium on the temp scale. After about 4-5 minutes (the herbs should smell amazing at this point) add the onion and sauté for another 3 minutes. They don’t really have to cook that much. This is supposed to be a really fresh tasting pasta so not overcooking is important. Anyway, add the Anaheim pepper, turkey and pepperoni and sauté another 4-5 minutes. Just long enough for the pepperoni (yikes) to soften up. The flavor should just begin to meld and the smell in the kitchen should be amazing. I then took this nice warm mixture and poured it over the warm pasta then tossed in the fresh tomatoes and served with a fresh green salad. Mister likes to also add this vegan Parmesan. Its good, but I can live without it. We thought is was pretty flippin’ good for the “there’s nothing to eat in this fridge” night. It tastes just a little like pizza pasta. Oh, there is should be a disclaimer on the creativity. Yes! the creativity was mine but fueled by the cocktails which were consumed earlier in the evening.

PS - The great thing about this recipe is that you really just use whatever you have in the fridge, but the tomatoes are probably a must.

Bon Appetite

Reflections

And so just when you think things are smoothing themselves out, BAM!!, something new and at the same time old, sneaks up and keeps you awake half the night.

The old ugly monsters lurk in the deep, dark, back part of our closets. They are waiting for an opportune moment to jump out and scare the crap out of you and your cat if he's close enough. They are uncomfortably familiar so you can recognize them, eventually, for what they are. But at the first leap at you, that first screeching, howling, in your face hey, here I am, back again like a bad Schwarzenegger impersonator, they can be ferociously frightening and overwhelming and 'holy crap, where did that come from?"

So, monsters, huh? Well, I think we all have them. Its just a matter of how often they are let out or coaxed out of that closet. How often do we see them sit up off their cozy little bed we've made for them back there behind the winter boots and bent up bumbershoots realizing they are about to spring and then consciously decide to sing a soft, cooing lullaby to serenade them back into their slumber? The more often a lullaby is sung, the less likely that monster is going to be willing to find its adrenaline and jump out in all its ugliness.

The hard part for me, now, in this new time of my life, is learning that my monster, who had grown small and weak over the last decade or so, now has a buddy in there. Mister's monster! Now that we've cohabitated, my monster has a friend all ready and willing to go on a midnight play date.

It is so much harder to sing a lullaby to two than to one. Especially since the new one hasn't ever heard my wonderful singing voice and doesn't quite recognize it yet and Mister isn't a singer.

Oy. Its all good. The light of morning is a blessed thing.

Silhouette

Sometimes that's how I feel. Like an outlined image of myself. Like my insides and details have faded or crawled deep inside where they are hidden. Oh, they are still there, just not seen, not recognized, not validated. Its probably ok, I guess, for this to occur once in a while. So long as its not all anyone would ever see, so long as at some point in the not too distant future I remember to "be" that is.

So long as I remember to come back to the real world and live in it.

Update: Short Version

Yesterday, looked at linens. You wouldn't think linens would be that big a deal, just put a table cloth on the table and make sure everyone has a napkin. Nope. Doesn't work that way. There's color schemes and differing hues within the color schemes and oh wait that color will either clash or fade out the centerpieces and what about the head and buffet tables, they have to be slightly different, its just the way its done and oh, that ivory isn't available in the size you want and hey, here's a completely new kink, shimmery, yellow, gauzy material that matches exactly the other choices and I've already fallen in love with it the second I saw it and have to figure out how to make it work with the other stuff and that's just linens. And the abridged version to boot. In the end, I decided to punt on the day and if something doesn't work, then we'll do something else. Its all good. This weekend will be more wedding related running around. I have appointments every day, except Thursday, next week after work. Amazing how much time this all takes.

We may be attending the Muddy Boot Organic Festival this weekend. It’s a ‘soulful celebration of sustainable living’ event. Workshops, food and drink, music and Jean-Michel Cousteau at some point.

That’s it for this update. Have a great weekend.

Just Watched: Weeds

You are correct, the wrong type of weed shown here, but a weed nonetheless. I've been watching Weeds on Netflix because I don't get Showtime. There's only two seasons on disc, but its enough. Pretty hilarious. The cast of characters is superb. And if you get a chance, check out Conrad. Mmmhhhmmm, you know wha' I'm sayin'. Ok, so I didn't grow up in da hood. Moving on... Then, there's always Mary-Louise Parker, who is beyond control. Can she pick a bad role and hot, hot, hot! I'm probably the last to have seen this series. So, 'nough said. Peace out ya'll.

Just Read: The Time Traveler's Wife

Author: Audrey Niffenegger

As I begin to formulate my thoughts on this book, I realize that as a general rule I have a slight reticence about a lot of books before I read them. So, as per usual, I was a little tentative before starting this book. I think I feel this way because I don't want to be underwhelmed. I have this obnoxious trait that when I start a book, even if its terrible, I feel obligated to finish it. What is up with that?

This book was actually good, after I got past my inability to commit to it. At first, its a difficult book to understand and there's TONS of questions that don't get answered until later in the book. I was frustrated at first, but encouraged by a friend who had already read it, that it would improve and it did.

Henry DeTemble has a disorder which makes him involuntarily time travel. He travels to the past and to the future. When he travels, he can't take anything with him so he arrives stark naked wherever he goes.

Claire Abshire is a woman with a future with this man. She first encounters Henry when she is about 5 years old because he shows up on one of his time traveling sojourns. He proceeds to visit her many times as she grows up.

They eventually meet in 'real' time and have an interesting relationship. Henry time travels, not of his own volition so they'll be in the middle of dinner or any old time and he'll just disappear leaving a pile of clothing on the floor. Claire is left to wonder and worry if/when Henry will return and if he'll be ok on his travels. Sometimes he's not.

Its the story of their lives together in the past, present and future. It was an interesting twist and I see on IMDB it will be a movie some time in our future.

Like Mikey, I liked it and recommend it to all.

Another Wednesday

I found (don't you love the internet) a new vegetarian cooking blog. Check out Albion Cooks. I'm going to do the same. From my 8 second perusal, it seems this person is going through vegetarian cooking school. Some of the recipes look appetizing and, of course, fun photos. I put a link on the sidebar for easy access. Enjoy.

Again...Edited for Content

We're trying this again. The Commitments song struck an ugly cord with some family members who took a negative view of the song. I personally, being the optimist that I am (ahem) thought it was about being good to each other. Not so much what some other people thought, but, I digress.

We've (Mister and I) (together) have chosen (sort of) a new song. Its Lenny Kravitz' "I belong to you". The lyrics are on the side bar. There's no actual singing at the wedding, it will just be the music so where's the harm in this one?

Oy, how can this be so difficult?

A litte whining to occur......its supposed to be all about us but everyone seems to have their own views and opinions about how things should go. People have actually added to the guest list, even when Mister and I try our best to reiterate, in the nicest way, we're trying to keep this small and affordable. These are mostly well meaning family members, but still, you get my point here, right? Did this happen at your wedding? It's sort of about the money, but its really mostly about what we want. Oy, ok, I could go on and on here, so I'll stop.

Welcome to Tuesday, a short work week, Yeehaw!!

Now that I've posted this, I'm having serious doubts about the song. Who freakin' knows what we'll have, but it won't be the regular wedding march song whatever its called!!!

Officially freaking out now. Maybe too much caffeine.

Labor Day

Only a few photos taken this weekend camping with the family. This is probably my fav, or at least in the top 4. Back to the grind tomorrow. Have a great week.