A second chance

My brother'n law Brock was over a couple of weeks ago.  We were taking turns digging thru a bag of Costo's mixed nuts & dried fruits. "Pretty soon there's only going to be banana chips left," I said.

 "I like banana chips," replied Brock.

 "You do? They're so crunchy."

"My Grandma used to buy bags of them and we'd always eat them at her house" he said.

Huh, maybe I should give banana chips another chance, I thought.

A few days later as we drove down to Lake Powell I found myself picking out the banana chips and enjoying the salt from the nuts against the subtlety sweet chips. I thought about how one person saying they like something can help me be more open minded.

 And I remembered another time when someone helped me change my mind.  I was eight years old, at a ward party, which was being hosted at a member's house.  Some of the primary children were hanging out together in a bedroom, and Billy Joel's song "For the longest time" started playing.

 "I don't like this song," I said, to my ears it wasn't cool like Michael Jackson.

 Then my friend's cute older brother protested, saying how great it was. Ever since then, I have been fond this song because he helped me hear it with different ears.

Who knows better?

Winston likes to sit next to Teddy at dinner time. Teddy likes to hand his food over to Winston.

 I say "no" to Winston and I say "no" to Teddy. Who's more naughty?


















Does a three year old dog know better than a eleven month old baby?

New Book List

I just finished reading Les Miserables.  I have enjoyed it so much, I am sad it has come to an end.  But here are a few books that have been waiting for their turn.
Another Classic, Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

An American tragicomedy, Freedom by Jonathon Franzen.  Here is an interview I heard with him and Terry Gross on Fresh Air.  

A quirky novel, The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson.  Here is an excerpt to sample.

Something pretty and practical, Michelle Obama's American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America.  Recipes included in the back.

The Muppets

I have always loved the Muppets.  I watched The Muppet Show every Sunday night in the 1980's.   One afternoon this March,  I heard about the Muppets' new movie being nominated for an Oscar in the "Best Song" category.  I hadn't seen it at the movie theater, so I was cracking up as I listened to "Man or  Muppet"  for the first time over the radio.  Music for this film was written by Bret McKenzie.

I just stumbled across more fun Muppet material.  The Chaos Theory: A unified theory of Muppet types  by Dahlia Lithwick, featured on Slate.com.  Basically, the idea is we are all either an Order Muppet or a Chaos Muppet.  A Kermit or a Grover, a Bert or an Ernie.  When trying to figure out what you are, Lithwick says

 "It’s hard to be ruthlessly honest when evaluating one’s own Muppet classification. As is the case when going shopping for white pants, your best bet is probably just to trust a friend. "

Spoonflower

I noticed Spoonflower.com mentioned in my Good Houskeeping last spring, its a website where you can upload your designs and they will print it out on fabric.  I tore out the page and posted it on my bulletin board.  But it wasn't until I saw it mentioned again in Martha Stewart's Living later in the summer, that I was persuaded to finally log on and check it out.

 Kevin Sharkey had water-colored a monogram, printed it out with Spoonflower, and then used the fabric to upholster this chair.  His design was so simple it looked like a child could have done it.  Seeing how carefree he was with his design gave me the courage to say "I can do this".  I will share with you my design on another post, but once I visited this website I discovered tons of amazing designers.  I couldn't copy their images to show you, but I have some links below to give you a taste of what you can find.  Yeah!  Another source for when you are searching for the perfect fabric!

Yellow flowers

New York City

Red Flowers

Vintage Fashion

Belleandboo

Target is quite far from my home, so I only go there every three weeks when I need diapers.  Yesterday I turned the corner into the beans and rice aisle and who did I see?!  My best friend Jaime Turner.  We hugged and talked and then I sent her in the direction of the salad dressings.  But, our Orem Target is in the middle of a remodel.  "Kimberly, where is the dressings?!"  I hear Jaime shout from I'm not sure where.  A few minutes pass and I found the dressings in a completely different location, next to the toothpaste, and Jaime, who is  now looking at all-purpose cleaners.  Her two youngest children keep themselves amused with snacking on popcorn.

Half an hour later I spot them again.  This time I'm at the check out and Jaime is pushing her cart towards the exit.  Her four year old Truly is no longer in the cart, but walking behind her mom and waving to me.  She reminded me of this fun children's parade created by Mandy Sutcliffe at ttp://www.belleandboo.com

To Really Know Someone

My Mom just introduced me to a new blog http://www.natthefatrat.com/   It's about Natalie, a young mother in New York City, and I think her history includes struggling with infertility.  But the reason I mention her is because I loved last week's post on Being Henry Holbrook's Mother.

"being henry holbrook's mother means knowing how to listen very intently when he has something on his mind he wishes to discuss, and not to let on that you have no idea what he's saying, because henry holbrook's mother knows how important it is that he feels "heard." being henry holbrook's mother means knowing exactly when to say, "oh really?' and exactly when to say "i completely understand." 

Natalie continues on in this format and fashion for awhile, and its quite impressive all the little ways she has learned to Henry's mother.  I think this model can be applied to sister, daughter, wife, friend....and used as a journal entry or as a meaningful message in a birthday card to a loved one.

Wrapping Paper

Last night I hosted a Bridal Shower for one of my favorite babysitters.  While McKenna opened her presents, I sat next to two of my favorite ladies in my ward, Alice and Tricia.  Why do I love them so much?  I am attracted to older people with lots personality.  I feel hope for my future when they make me laugh and show me all the neat things I can do when I am past my prime.  That statement reminds me of a funny song from "Lil' Abner",  Daisy sings "I'm past my prime, and I'm losing time, seventeen last spring, still without a ring...."  Well here is a small list of weekly tasks for Alice and Tricia: tap dance, Zumba, quilting, ukulele, piano, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, travel, and more.

So, back to my story...Tricia, with a playful curious expression, whispered "I wonder if anyone gave her lingerie", while Alice sat on the footstool below her and preceded to create a paper hat decorated with all of McKenna's ribbons.

  Then Tricia was on to another thought, "You know when we got married, we saved all the wrapping paper."  "Oh, yes we did," Alice agreed. "we saved everything".  It reminded me of people in the past, even myself a few times, who had opened the present  so carefully in an effort to save the pretty paper.  But then what?  Alice and Tricia said they would use the paper as drawer liners.  Good idea.

Brambles and Blossoms

Today I stopped by one of my favorite shops, looking for possible Mother's Day gifts.  I have a history with Brambles and Blossoms, Lisa the owner arranged my wedding flowers and centerpieces.  I love shops that have a mix of items and plants for sale.  Well this is what I walked out of the store with.

Miniature two toned petunias for my rock wall, a cute little jar perfect for a filling with candy and giving away, an assortment of pink doilies that I am going to use to make a baby girl blanket, and three vintage scarfs that Lisa said had just arrived in a truck from Australia.  I think I might make pillowcases out of them.  The wooden box was my shopping bag.  Wow!  You might not know that I have a weakness for thrift stores, but today's shopping experience was like heaven's version.  My doilies wrapped up in cellophane, the scarfs don't smell musty and flowers are spilling out of my package.

Easter Eggs

I thought I'd share pictures of the cool eggs my boys made this year for Easter.  Technique: keep egg in dye all day and all night.

Burt's Bees

I have finally discovered the world of Burt's Bees. Skin care and cosmetics made with all natural ingredients.

Lip gloss that tingles my lips, marshmallow mango butter that gives my face a glow, peppermint rosemary soap enlivens me, and night cream with royal jelly sends me to bed. Just a few of their great products that are lovely and luscious to my senses.

I like...

Dixie Chicks. In my musical dreams if I wasn't a Broadway star, I would be a Country singer.

Zinnias. Their bright colors and unique shape make me happy.

Old James Bond films. Sean Connery and Roger Moore. Such style, so edgy for the time period and so funny.

Offshore speed boats. I don't like going fast, but the wild colors are too fun to resist.

Books about Books

I visited my local library recently and found some real treasures.
"How to Make Books" by Esther K. Smith has some great ideas that are not too scary for a beginner to attempt. The "instant book" is the simplest and very satisfying. Consider the possibilities. I checked out this book for gift ideas, but I can see myself using these techniques for making my own travel logs.

The other book I learned alot from was "Decorative Journals" by Donna Downey. There are 25 different uses with 25 different designs ranging from a home binder to leave with babysitters to cataloging your craft supplies. Of course Downey includes her interpretation of the traditional journals: a mother's journal, a prayer journal, to-do list, and my favorite, a home decor journal.

New Discoveries

It's been awhile but I have a few things to share that have excited me. Or I could say they have "brought me joy", like my friend Annette likes to say.

First: Haagen daz ice cream, flavor pineapple coconut

Second: Hugh Nibley, Mormon scripturian. I am reading his paper titled "Patriarchy and Matriarchy". It is brilliant! Beginning with Adam and Eve and continuing through until the time of Christ, Brother Nibley gives examples of men and women working well together and also of when they fight against each other. Not only is he well versed in the scriptures, but he includes examples of marriages from Greek mythology and Shakespeare to create an intriguing look at our history as men and women.

Third: Zumba, an exercise class with international music. The older women in my neighborhood have always been good at waking up early to exercise together. They noticed when a new place in town opened up offering Zumba, yoga, and Pilate's classes. My friend Alice told me how much fun she was having and thought I would like to come try. It turns out the Zumba class is right when Arthur and George are at preschool and I do love it. I rarely get to dance and I am digging the music. Indian, African, Latin and hip hop.

My Favorite Place

Sundance Resort is my favorite place. I never get tired, or disappointed with my visits there. The air is so fresh and I agree with Robert Redford when he says "Sundance is a Dream".

There are some fun events taking place there this summer. I will highlight the ones I plan to attend.

June 20th from 10am to 4pm, The Children's Festival - fun & educational,
admission is free

July 3rd at 8pm, The Utah Symphony performing "A Patriotic Celebration"
tickets are $15

July 31st thru August 22nd at 8pm, "The Fantastics" - a musical, tickets are $18
BBQ dinner available before the show for $14

Ohh, and I am looking forward to my ride on the ski lift too!

A Cameo for Kimberly

This past winter I found an ad in my magazine for cameo jewelry and instantly fell in love. Here are a few pictures of the ring choices.

When I met up with my mom in New York, she gave me my great grandma Gerda's cameo. It is so pretty. I can wear it as a pin or string it on a necklace.

Magazines for Education

I live in a bubble. I am pretty clueless to current affairs because I don't listen or watch the news. I reply on my hubby, who continuously scans CNN on his blackberry. But I do read my magazines where I gain brief insights to what is going on in the world.
This month I was excited to read about a fashion designer who has set up his production in Africa. "Max Osterweis felt the need to do more than just write a check to an African-based charity, and many in the luxury business share his commitment to give back." (Time Style & Design)
It has been so distressing to learn about the western world's charity back-firing in the past. Putting farmers out of business and such... This article filled me with hope.

All American Sexy

I have continued my fashion research a bit more, this time in current sources. According to US Celebrity Style there are five style categories:

Classic - keeping it simple, yet elegant. Patron Saint is Audrey Hepburn

Creative - is about mixing it up. Patron Saint is Madonna

All-American Sexy - Freedom to put comfort first. The clothes are so simple there is not much to distract from your natural accessories, which is your hair and skin. Patron Saint is Lauren Hutton

Ultra-Gram - Confidence is key and clothing is not expected to be sensible. Patron Saint is Marilyn Monroe.

Chameleon - A wonderful lack of consistency, regularly change your look according to occasion or whim. A good example is Uma Thurman.

I think when I have the image of the woman in trousers I am leaning towards All-American Sexy. So that explains why I am not in love with the basic pieces in my wardrobe. They don't possess the beautiful details I oh and ah over, yet I choose them because I am not willing to be uncomfortable. What I am missing is a commitment to my hair and make-up.

Where is my Fashion?

Last month when I made my list of items I can not live without, I went in my closet and realized there is nothing in there I absolutely love. How do I go through my days without recieving pleasure from my clothes? I guess its all about function that this point in my life.
Anyway I tried to do some research to find my true style. I am picturing a women in the 1930's at a country estate in wide led trousers and a shawl collared sweater. Perhaps in nautical colors. To me she is the epitome with class and full of confidence. And I do love shopping for trousers and am always looking for a sweater that will make me feel rich. Sorry I can not find a picture as reference.
Here are a few fashions from the past that I did connect with. Items I would enjoy wearing if I lived in a life of glamour.

How Luscious is Romeo?

Last Saturday night my friend Angela treated me to a night at the ballet. West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet, performed in the DeJong Theatre. Oh, how happy was I to be back in BYU's Harris Fine Arts Center (HFAC)! That building makes me feel alive. But I digress from the performance. It was lovely. I love the music of Leonard Bernstein and the story of Romeo and Juliet has always made me yearn for more passion in my life. I think I need to go rent the movie again.