My (Future) Nook

Lately I've been wanting my own little alcove. A place for my books, notebook, cup of tea, papers, a small (or large) potted plant, this little laptop, my glass of wine (after 7pm of course), a pretty framed picture and any or all little trinkets from throughout the day that still need to be sorted. Nothing fancy, even a corner off of a hallway. I've been obsessed with some blogs as of late- The English Muse or Ill Seen Ill Said which doesn't help. Below, a photo from the latter blog. Someday...

Brew The Perfect Cup

 Brewing the perfect cup of tea is pretty simple, yet not all common sense..

1~ Boil the water. Don't microwave it
2~ Let the water sit for a minute.
3~ Pour the boiling water over the tea bag. Not the other way around
4~ Leave the bag in your cup for over 2 minutes. More for a stronger tea and taste
5~ No need to constantly dip the bag in and out.
6~ Savor.

Water Street Inn

  My lovely and I on a recent overnight at the Water Street Inn in Stillwater. One of the best times we've had. It was a wonderful old inn on the St. Croix, with an Irish band playing in the pub all night long. The rooms were charming and clean. Only regret- I wish I took waaaaaay more photos!

Latest Discoveries

Thrifting, antiquing, garage sale-ing. Call it what you may- I love it. These are two recent finds that I fell in love with. I haven't found a permanent place for either in my home, but I knew I needed them. I originally wanted to use the fabric tote for Miss G's doll clothes, but that is now postponed until the offspring no longer have the yearning to climb inside.

 
 

Moment of the Day

Me: "WHAT are you DOING in there!?"

Dino Jack: "Being a hitting guy, hitting things, with my stick."

Oh.....

 

Almost...

 
Today. It is colder than I would like. At least the sun is shining. And it is March, so it won't be this cold for too much longer. We are looking forward to the days when we can have all of the windows open, travel outside in a t-shirt, and feel the warmth of the sun without trying. So close, I can almost smell it. And not to mention FLIP FLOPS. But I can't really be mad at that blue sky...

Ambrosia

Drink that is smooth, warm
Like a consoling nook, a secret.

Drink that is floral and sincere
Formal to the touch, no ounce of mess.

The best of two opposites.
Don't compliment or underline.

Ever at constant competition
Pick me, pick me.

AN IRISH BLESSING

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

My New Obsession

William Morris. I came across a quote of his in a design book. For some reason, it stuck with me and I decided to look him up and see what he's all about. Turns out, I love his stuff. He is described as the 'practical romantic', which I find very fitting. It was hard to post only three of his works.

William Morris~ Writer-Designer-Illustrater~ 1834-1896

 
Morris' original sketch for 'Trellis'

 
'Willow Bough' wallpaper print

 
Roman Goddess of Spring and Fertility. Morris designed the background, the figure is by Burne Jones. 1885

Peanut Butter Heaven Goodness

 
Dino Jack's favorite snack. Waffles with melting peanut butter and chocolate chips. It doesn't get much better than this (for him of course- I have a much more sophisticated palate). We usually try to work this in while Miss G is napping away. She can make a mess out of eating raisins...

And The Fog

Don't get me wrong. I value sunshine as much as the next Minnesotan, however there is something to be said for thick, rolling fog. I find beauty in the way it covers up, softens edges, and canopies depth. I admire it's gentleness and calmness. It even smells good. The only disagreeable thing about it is that it moves on too quickly and I am left behind like a longing lover...

Missing

It's been three days since I have seen A. Anticipating spending time with him when he returns from the gym. We have time together this weekend without Miss G and Dino Jack, which I am increasingly looking forward to. I like getting reacquainted with that guy once and a while...

Things I am Thankful for Today

Miss G loves to cuddle
It is raining instead of snowing
I have homemade chocolate chip cookies on hand
Grandparents on the weekends
Using God's hands to put things in

 

Ol' Blue Eyes

 

Such an eager little bugger. Easy to love...

*~*~BRIGHT STAR~*~*

"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever" ~John Keats

Lovely... it captures the romance between John Keats and Frances Brawne. Maybe one of my favorites. I think I'll go read some John Keats right now...

My recommendation: See it!

Wine Night

A recent wine night with a great friend. We usually go through a few bottles of wine and have some satisfying food. I contributed the black bean and corn salsa (with Dino Jack's help and Stacey's recipe). You really can't stop eating this stuff. Recipe included...

 
My little man mixing it up

 
Mack looking on, hoping we are clumsily buzzed...

 

BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALSA

1 can of black beans
1 can of corn
1 small jar of salsa
1 small red onion (more or less)
cilantro (more or less)

Chop the onion and cilantro and mix everything together in a bowl. This is best if it sits about 4 hours in the refridgerator before eating. Serve with regular or lime tortilla chips... yum...

Pushing the Limits

We decided to try out the March weather...

 
 
 

Dino Jack's World

 

A view of the vast sea from atop Dino Jack's bed...

March Torment

I find myself staring out the window just watching and willing the icicles to melt and the snow to edge away. It is the third day of March in Minnesota. The thawing has started but at any moment the temperature could drop and freeze everything back up. March can be cruel like that. Such a tease...

My Better Half

"It's not so much how you get married but what you make of your marriage that matters." ~Sarah Stonich