snickerdoodles

a passionate read...

 
    During long art history lessons in university I often found myself flipping through my text and looking at the colour plates of various paintings.  I was always moved by the works of Artemesia Gentileschi, especially the gruesome Judith Slaying Holofernes painting.  The strength, the anger, the gore of him with his slit throat and the determination on Judith's face.  Artemesia devoted her life to her passion for painting.  Her story, as told by Susan Vreeland, is filled with emotion, bravery, and pure devotion to her love of her daughter and her art. 

This story really made me question my love for art.  I give so little time and energy to something I value so much.  Life goes by and I put off making time for art more and more.  When I do pull something together I prefer to call it craft.

 Calling it Art must be saved for a time when I can give works my full attention and efforts.  Art comes from deep passion, the things I do now are creative bursts.  This story made this all so clear.  Artemesia's story made me hungry to find my passion but it also awakened a patience in me.  I'll stop fretting to find my medium or outlet.  I will remember to enjoy my creative spurts, to play with them, and to incorporate them into my life's schedule as much as possible without taking time from my boys. 

One day soon time will open up, the chaos will slow and I know I'll miss it dearly.  Those will be the days when I can open my mind and find my art again.  This book made me realize how much most great artists sacrifice for their art, and that my friend is something I am not willing to do right now. 

Right now I am passionate about planting the 500 or so Muscari (or Grape Hyacinth) bulbs I bought at 75% off today.  I might not be painting these days but having lovely clumps of my favorite spring bulb cluster our property in the spring is certain to bring me mounds of joy. 

 
Muscari in bloom...I was tempted by the daffodils but I decided to just go heavy on my most beloved spring bulb with a fresh, fruity fragrance.  They are also fairly tolerant and should colonize well here.

Here is some more information on The Passion of Artemesia from Chapters/Indigo.  The book is available from their link button on my left sidebar...

From the Publisher

Set against the lush tapestry of Renaissance Rome, this is a mesmerizing tale of love, art, and most notably, the love of art. After Artemisia Gentileschi, a promising young painter, is raped by her instructor, a papal court orders her torture and her father betrays her. Shamed but not vanquished, she asks her harsh parent to arrange her marriage to another painter and, thus vindicated in the eyes of society and the church, she begins a new life. But not a happy one. Artemisia's visceral …+ read moreSet against the lush tapestry of Renaissance Rome, this is a mesmerizing tale of love, art, and most notably, the love of art. After Artemisia Gentileschi, a promising young painter, is raped by her instructor, a papal court orders her torture and her father betrays her. Shamed but not vanquished, she asks her harsh parent to arrange her marriage to another painter and, thus vindicated in the eyes of society and the church, she begins a new life. But not a happy one. Artemisia''s visceral passion to create art specifically, to depict on canvas the kind of strong heroine she herself has become threatens to overwhelm her roles as wife and daughter. Her struggle to reconcile her conflicting passions lies at the heart of Artemisia''s story, ingeniously crafted by Susan Vreeland, whose gift of language is matched by her uncanny ability to evoke a distant time and place. Vreeland''s previous novel, the best-selling Girl in Hyacinth Blue, dazzled the critics and was voted a Book Sense Book of the Year finalist. Once again bringing the visual arts to vivid life, The Passion of Artemisia is a glowing, subtly delineated portrait of a remarkable woman the first to make a significant contribution to art history.- read less

 

Anybody want to clean my house while I am out planting?  The in-laws arrive in two days and I really should start tackling our messes. 

I need to find a cleaning lady who likes eating my baking, I'd bake instead of cleaning any ole day.    Heck, I'd just about rather do anything instead of cleaning!

 

oxo

the amazing Kreskin...

   Last night I treated hubbie to an early birthday present...we went to see the Amazing KRESKIN!

Being kiddos from the 70's we both remembered watching his television show and were fascinated by his mentalist abilities.  When I saw he was coming to town I scooped up tickets right away and I am so glad.

 

If you weren't sure who I was talking about this photograph might refresh your memories.  This photo is old but he basically is just as adorable as ever...he even has the same specs.

To be brutally honest I thought the show would be entertaining in a 'cheesy' sort of way,   BUT Kreskin was brilliant, witty, and was almost as talented on the piano as he was reading thoughts and hypnotizing the audience.  We both enjoyed every single moment and were often on the edge of our seats as he performed.

I also learned that Tom Hanks recently produced a movie with John Malkovich based on the story of Kreskin called The Great Buck Howard.  You can read more here in an article by Cindy Adams. 

Kreskin has also written a book called Mental Power is Real. "In Mental Power is Real, I am sharing with you how you can harness your life and make it an even greater, exciting and rewarding experience."  -Kreskin

This DVD would be a great gift for any Kreskin fan like moi..

He actually explains how he does many of his famously astounding effects.

Both are available from Chapters/Indigo link on my sponsors sidebar and all commissions will go to World Vision Canada from Snickerdoodle purchases.

When he asked for audience volunteers I felt drawn to go up several times and then later was torn about not going up. Yet, in the end, since it was my first show, I was glad I stayed seated and got to enjoy watching the 30 minutes or so he kept the large group of volunteers hypnotized with the power of suggestion. 

 Maybe next time, and whenever that is I am not going to wear a jumper again.  I will wear pants because I am certain I would have flashed the crowd if I fell asleep in my outfit last night.

Have an Amazing Kreskin kinda day friends.
 
 
 

book-a-rama...

Before:

My $5 garage sale book shelf, dirty and spider-webby ready for a clean after I removed the shelves.

Getting ready to paint the shelves...I used about $20 worth of Benjamin Moore paint in Seashell White, the same tone of white as our trim.

After about three hours of work, a couple days of curing the paint, and unpacking the final three boxes of books from the basement, bedroom and family room...

It still needs a bit of work but it's basically operational and fits just right under the boy's den window. 

Some of The Hardy Boys books were hubbies, the rest have been collected over many years of garage sailing and thrift shop visits...I always have a list of what titles we still need in my wallet.  We've finished reading all the ones we do have so far with Noah and it won't be long before Liam starts on the series....and heaven forbid wee Ryan.

We still haven't got the windows cleaned since the build, they are filthy but I'd like to wait as long as possible as we are still stirring up lots of dirt in the yard with our planting.  I think the window installers must have been muching greasy cheeseburgers while they worked because all the windows seem to be exceptionally goobered up.

Did you know if you fling slices of luncheon meat, like bologna or salami against a window they will stick like window clings?   It's true, I've tried it.  Just be prepared to have windows that look like the one above.  Perhaps we should use our Hardy Boys skills to determine exactly what has left ours so greasy...this could be a huge case to break.

Speaking of books, I found these AMAZING home books by Judith Wilson at the library this week...

(I wish I had of seen Judith's work before the Birch Hill plan was finalized, I definitely would have done a few small things differently.  The home's she features have so much character and charm.  They are neutral and modern but still full of warmth.)

The Harmonious Home, Smart Planning For A Home That Really Works is full of tips on flow, natural light, linking spaces and outdoor connections.

Prices start at $14 from the Chapters/Indigo link on my left sidebar.  The earnings from all sponsor-based sales on Snickerdoodles go to World Vision Canada. 

The second book I am glued to these days is Family Living, Creating the Perfect Family Home,

 

Prices start on this one at $23 on line from Chapters/Indigo.  The pages are filled with sweet photos of real spaces.  It's based on three zones...activity zones, peaceful zones and practical zones.  Smart and simply explained.

I haven't seen these yet but I found two other books that Judith Wilson has written that I am planning on ordering tonight...

 

 

The great things with Chapters/Indigo is that shipping is quick and free if you order $39 worth of products. An easy feat for a book lover.  As much as I adore spending time wandering the aisles of Chapters, it rarely happens.  For now exploring topics on line is a wonderful substitute...plus who doesn't love getting a parcel?

Thanks for the kick in the butt to finish up this project tonight...after our long day of rodeo and ranching adventures I was headed for the couch,  but my promise to you was fabulous motivation to putter along. 

Tomorrow is SALSA day.  I have 25 pounds of juicy field tomatoes waiting inpatiently in the mudroom for some kitchen time.  I've never actually made salsa before but I have a great recipe and a team of kiddo helpers to put to work.  Ariba!

Buenos noches amigos

oxo

 

colour away...

   Spending time colouring was one of my all-time favorite childhood activities so I was thrilled to find this...

BACK IN STOCK! his first ever indie rock coloring book is a fitting tribute to the DIY spirit of the bands, featuring witty, hand-illustrated activity pages from artist Andy J. Miller. Music fans can keep themselves out of trouble for hours with mazes, connect-the-dot games, and coloring pages for the Shins, Devendra Banhart, Rilo Kiley, the National, and more than 20 artists. With all royalties going to charity, The Indie Rock Coloring Book is sure to warm even the coolest of hipster hearts

Carolyn, this should be right up your alley too as you have mentioned doing an adult oriented doodle book more than once.  You can buy this creative gem on Delight.com.  It's a steal at $9.95.   What a perfect gift for a hip girls birthday party. 

Our longtime fabulous family friends, the Cousars just left after a visit that went by waaaay too fast.  Last night we shared food and laughs and kid chaos before all hitting the hay fairly early.  Today we munched a breakfast feast before hitting the beach for the day.  Poor Grant and hubbie did a couple shuttle runs to the Honda dealership as our car's ignition has been very unruly lately.

At the lake,we swam, the youngest buddies spent hours building sand structures to set up their Legos in.  The older two, lovely Hannah and my Noah, snorkeled away the afternoon searching for tiny snail shells. 

 Seeing them all drive away was a reality shock that this is real, we live here now.  Quick coffees and last minute dinners are no longer an option.  We'll miss them all terribly.  We do love it here though, no regrets on that.  Still scheming a master plan to somehow get all our friends to move to the Okanagan

We had another great visit this week with our fave teacher Mrs.Epplett.  She visited our house, then we joined her at their friends AMAZING home for an afternoon of pool swimming and chatting.   

These last days have flown by.  Wishing for lots of slow, leisurely days for the rest of summer.  I don't want my boys to go back to school yet...summer holidays are the best! 

happy weekend friends,

oxo

The Mermaid Chair...

   Life at Birch Hill is still absolutely unbelievable...it feels like we are still on holidays somewhere.  The view, the peacefulness perched in the trees, and the lightness of space.  Such a change from our dark little home in Whistler.

 It's been hard to completely absorb the reality of the move from all the action that has been filling our days.  The move, the wedding, tradespeople back daily finishing up, family visits, neighbors stopping by, furniture arriving.  I went from deserts for 100 people one day to dinner for 13 the next when we hosted all our family last night at the house.  It was so fun and a pleasure to feed my Aunts and such who have stuffed me full of goodness so many times over the years. 

Despite all the action around here I have been sneaking in a page or two of The Mermaid Chair whenever I can.  The doorbell rang at 7:15 this morning and I awoke to a plumber coming to adjust a toilet, the excavator just arrived to finish moving all the dirt around and create a some kinda landscaping and the painter is on his way for touch ups...so as I am compelled to sneak pages in The Mermaid Chair I thought it best to take this early morning opportunity to sneak a post for you.

   "The pages all but turn themselves."

                                                        -Parade
Stories about women, the bonds of women and love always get me.  Just before we moved I watched the movie version of The  Secret Lives of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and adored it.  Then, as I packed up the books I had tucked aside to someday read I was thrilled to find The Mermaid Chair, also by Sue Monk Kidd.  Now I can hardly wait for bedtime each day to read more.  It is really the perfect summer read...a bit of mystery, passion and complex characters galore. 

 

(It's available on my left sidebar through the Chapters/Indigo link for $15.20...all commissions go to World Vision)

After exploring the author's website it turns out I am captivated by summaries of all her books.  Yay! It's been a while since I have found a fictional writer to hold my interest.  Last year was all about non-fiction...house books, parenting and self-help.  I am happily jumping in to fiction again now that we've finally settled here in Lavington.

yummy Jamie Oliver & Lance...

   Yesterday we had a full on city adventure. It was fabulous but exhausting! 

 Our stop to the Urban Barn outlet in PoCo was a bust as the Artie unit I had held was smashed up beyond minor repairs. 

A quick jaunt through H&M was fun but as usual with my luck at H&M the shift I really wanted to buy wasn't available in my size.  The size fours they did have would barely fit over my arms.  I did get a simple sundress and some styling jeans for Ry. 

  We had a great visit with our friend Kelly.  She kept the boys for a swim date while we zipped around a bit.  Not only was it great to have a quick catch-up, she spoiled us with some great going away gifts.  A  Jamie Oliver cookbook for me and the new Lance Armstrong book for hubbie!

Jamie's Food Revolution is amazing!  The tag line is Rediscover How to Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals...perfect for me and just about everybody else who makes food!  

This cookbook gem is loaded with photographs and Jamie's charm graces all the pages.  LOVE it!

 

buy it...it's available from our Chapters/Indigo link on the left sidebar (scroll waaaaay down) for $29.  Any commissions from these purchases go directly to World Vision Canada.  Jamie also has a fabulous website filled with everything 'Jamie' you could ever imagine.  Seems this cutie is out to be the next Martha.

Next is Lance... for everyone in Tour de France withdrawal, it's a great time to get this book.

 

...buy it at the same linky-dink for $21.74.  Mr. Armstrong makes me feel like the biggest slug on the planet, his endurance and strength are beyond words.  I plan on reading this one when hubbie's done.  

Read more about Lancey-Poo and donate to his charity Livestrong at his official site.  I actually gave last month's Snickerdoodles commissions to Livestrong in honor of the tour.  

I made my donation through Elden Nelson a fellow blogger, and creator of The Fat Cyclist.com.  If you like peddling check out his writing, he's good...very good.  He also has four kiddos and a very brave wife fighting a terrible battle with cancer, read more on his About page.

Thanks Kelly, we are blessed to have you as a friend.  Happy reading friends!

White Hot Truth in Whistler...

   Danielle La Porte just strolled out the door (looking very sexy in her shift dress) after rockin the socks off eleven Whistler business women. 

I hosted one of her Fire Starter sessions here in my living room and it was amazing.       

  The power of having someone so wise in everything entrepreneurial take a cold hard look at your work and offer perspective is invaluable. 

To sit in a room with  other inspired souls and feel that positive energy, hear the ideas flow, and watch lives change is beyond words.  I am feeling drunk on opportunity.  Opportunities to make moula, direct my life, empower myself, grow and most of all stay on the  Snickerdoodles path to follow my bliss.

Danielle offered us wisdom, results-oriented advice, and a piece of herself.  She told her story, shared her successes and failures and presented simple ways to make a plan.  To read more about Danielle and feel a little bit of fire read her writings at White Hot Truth.

Having folks in is always a great kick in the butt to tidy up and clean.  Most days my entertaining consists of handing out iced tea in plastic cups and apple slices with cinnamon to ravenous boys and their gangs...  today I got to play. 

 For my friends I put out the good stuff.  They don't wrinkle their noses at homemade chilled green tea with peach nectar, or flavored waters, or slightly bitter sparkling lemonade.  They sip and smile and that makes me happy!  For my girls I make fancy ice cubes in my new silicone flower trays with raspberries and homemade extra garlicy tzatziki.  They politely dig in and my heart is glad.

 

 

(darn, this is out of focus and I meant to snap one of a berry cube floating in the pale yellow fizz, it was so pretty)

Unlike my usual guests, this group didn't leave crumbs under their seats or dribbles on the furniture.  There are no sticky spills or pee sprays on the bathroom floor, or the dreaded poopey toilet paper snowball that missed the bowl! 

  I am left with a small load of dishes and some food to tuck back into the fridge.  Entertaining this afternoon was a pleasure and I am so glad it all worked out.

Right now I am admittedly in a time of chaos.  I am devoted to three kids, three businesses and a house build.  It's fine though as I know it's just for a short span of time.  Soon I can walk away from my book, phase my glass business a notch smaller and give more energy to Snickerdoodles...to my goals and to you.  I look forward to giving you more very soon and grateful for your following and hanging in there as I transition. 

much luv,

k

helping without harming...

  My middle guy is a big softie...he's built like a tank and adores his food.  He loves most everything and it brings me great joy except that I do worry about him getting too heavy.  For anyone who is not pencil thin or has bigger kiddos you know the feeling, the blame and the judgement you feel from others.  I hate it and I have turned to many books for advice. 

This past year I found an amazingly helpful book.  We also had a wonderful appointment with a local Dr and Liam, the Doctor was practical and not critical.  He was accepting of Liam, affirmative of my efforts to keep him healthy. He did Liam's big heart wonders by tracking his growth to height ratio, plotting it and discovering that my snuggly six year old is meant to be a very large man one day.  Now Liam can take playground teasing with a grain of salt and rest assurred he is growing up just the way God intended him too.

Ellyn Satter wrote the book I am referring to and you can find it and more on her web page.  EllynSatter.com.

feeling sexy?

  According to most every blogging guide I have read, the  two of the top things you shouldn't do are include a music player and write about sex.

1. music... well, I have tunes playing always, I assume if you don't like it you can  just turn off your speakers.  I love hearing the songs friends are listening too so a music player is a must.   Is it annoying you?  Do you enjoy the tunes?

 2. sex talk... as for sex...I have written about it several times in the past and since it's such a curious thing I do love passing along good books I find.  A  sex-pert I am not.  I am more like a hibernating bear who lulls out of her slumber once in a while to frolic in the flowers. 

Noah recently had the big talk at home and then another, very explicit one, at school!  The questions have been steady and it's all very scientific.   I am happy he's still quite innocent about everything. Explaining is easier as it's not personal to him yet.   Still it's still tricky not to laugh or be surprised.  

   As for  Liam... he told me this morning:  "You won't believe what I found in my school bag!"        This is a frightening notion.  He continued:

"Ryan put one of those things you stick up you penis and pump in my bag and I found it at lunch time"

Then I was stumped...I had no idea what he meant.  He got it from his bag and it was a tampon.  He thought it was hilarious, lucky it was him not Noah. 

Okay back to to the adult stuff.  I have seen Laura Berman a couple times on Oprah and really enjoyed her.  She smart and witty and very big on communicating with your partner.  So when I saw her book Real Sex for Real Women at the library I immediately popped it in my book bag. 

This book is filled with knowledge on sexuality, health, the mind body connection AND really juicy photographs of couples engaging in sex.  There are pages of images showing positions and more...all done tastefully but still a tad shocking from a library book! 

Today I am picking doors and door knobs for Birch Hill...perhaps I should put a lock on our bedroom one.  Do you lock your doors?  I always liked how in the Meet My Parents movie they hung a hat on the door.

From the Publisher

"New York Times"-bestselling author and expert Dr. Berman shows how it is possible to combine the reality of everyday life with fantastic sex. Sex in real life is not the sex portrayed by the media, and this work''s images and advice help the reader to connect with her own sexuality.

 

Feeling sexy?  or maybe wondering why you are hardly ever feeling sexy?  Check it out.  It's available on my left sidebar from the Chapters/Indigo link for $28...maybe Retail me not might even have a special offer too?

 

Curious about past posts on sexy things?  Read more...

 

http://snickerdoodles.typepad.com/snickerdoodle_life/2008/11/she-comes-firstthe-thinking-mans-guide-to-pleasuring-a-woman.html

 

http://snickerdoodles.typepad.com/snickerdoodle_life/2008/10/out-of-my-eleme.html

 

I think that's all folks...see I don't really talk too much on sex.  I suppose I'll see what my stats say in the coming days and see if you all abandon me. 

good news...

Did you know that  Roots is having a Customer Appreciation Weekend?  25% off everything in the store, even if it's already on sale.  I added these goodies to my wish list...

 

 

There is also a fabulous new Olivia bag  but I am waiting for them to make it in a peacock blue...the vanilla colour is amazing though.  Roots also has  Havianna flip flops which I desperately need...it's so exciting that flip flop season is just around the corner.    If you live in Whistler maybe I'll see you there? 

As for our latest contest, I will be sending the book to...

Victoria!  Zip me off a comment with your mailing address and I'll send you the cookbook this week.  Congratulations, it's such a good book, I've already bought two more copies for gifts.

Tonight is the big fashion show for the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival...the sitter is on her way and I can't wait to get out solo.  Happy Weekend friends!