From the category archives:
It felt a little disingenuous, writing yesterday about such a happy thing. Our love story. The quilt which is supposed to remind me, every time I run upstairs to shove a stinky diaper in the bin. Every time I run downstairs to get ice from the freezer to soothe a boo-boo. Every six a.m. wake [...]
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Just because she lives less than a mile from me or because I have issues about going to the post office at holiday time or because she has three of the most adorable and precocious little girls ever doesn’t mean that I would do something like that. I used the random number generator and Alexis‘ [...]
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Okay then. It looks like I’ll be working on a tutorial for the Roundabout Quilt. In the spirit of full disclosure however I think you should know that I don’t have any secrets about how to piece the curves. I pin pin pin them and when I think there are enough pins, I add some [...]
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When Jake was a baby I lived in the middle of a very big city. And I felt pretty alone. I got out of the apartment every day and saw lots of people but some days I talked to no one. I’ve written before about the post partum depression so I won’t go into it [...]
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Happy 90th birthday!
Thank you for what you’ve given to our culture and for the inspiration and enjoyment you’ve given to me and so many of the people whom I admire.
A few months ago Jake had the opportunity to perform (solo) for Mr. Seeger and a few of his friends. In typical ten-year-old-rock-star-style, Jake took it [...]
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I’ve got lots PB (pre-blog) knitting that need to be blogged!
Niall and I were married three and a half years ago in my parents’ back yard. In the months leading up to the wedding I made gifts for my three dear friends who stood up for me that day.
Evenings are chilly in Litchfield County Connecticut [...]
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I’m truly sorry I can’t send each of you a copy of this wonderful book. If you are so inclined I recommend stopping by your local bookseller or library and getting one for yourself.
The winner is:
Anna of Helylle. Anna, please send me your address and I’ll mail your package off to you straight away.
Today I [...]
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Yesterday I had a friend do something for me that moved me to a loss for words (don’t worry, the words have since returned) and a few tears.
Have I ever told you about my love affair with Portland, Maine? No? Well, pull up a chair.
I grew up in New York City but never felt comfortable [...]
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Yellow.
This vase was a wedding gift and it lives on our mantle. Niall put it there, on the end next to the window, because he said he likes how it catches the light.
Me too.
And yesterday's color:
Blue.
If the shot was a bit wider, you'd see all the toys that usually live in that bucket spilled all over the floor.
Things that are exciting me today:
Counting down to Inauguration Day.
Niall is taking the day off and we are attending brunch at friends'. Quinn is too young to appreciate it but Jake is pretty excited. (Nothing like inflicting one's views on our children.) He seems to understand the significance and we're hoping to be present in a moment that is certain to become something we look back upon.
In the evening I'm planning to attend the opening of The Obama Show at Eyebuzz in Tarrytown. I don't know whether I'm more excited to see these in person, or to meet Tara who is one of my favorite bloggers.
Watching Jake perform.
Any mother knows what it feels like to watch their child be happy. It's an indescribable feeling that affirms your entire being.
My son has struggled, more than any ten and a half year old should, to be happy. He continues to struggle still. But when he is playing the keyboard or singing on stage, he is as happy as I've ever seen him. I love to witness this and tonight and tomorrow I will.
If you missed any of my video posts of him, you can watch them here if you're so inclined (he's the little one).
Making new friends.
Kathleen at Mamas Always Write has an insightful and honest style that encourages me to write. I have been compelled by her 'prompts' since my first visit. It only solidified my interest in her when I found out that she lives in the city of my heart.
Stephanie at The Letter's Edge writes with a straightforward and quirky voice that is just a little self deprecating and I want to have a cup of coffee with her. She has has recently posed a question that's got me thinking: what would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? I'll be guest-posting on her blog and addressing that question later in the month.
Meeting both of these women and reading their accounts of motherhood, career decisions, marriage and creativity, further confirms my suspicions that I am not alone.
What is exciting you today?
Thanks for visiting.
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There were decorations
and fresh food.
Tomato, Corn, and Avocado Salad from Everyday Food.
There was family and friends (and some finished objects)
There were funny faces.
The cake was Lemon Buttermilk (recipe posted below) and Quinn found it to be a bit tart.
This mobile was Aunt Katha’s clever contribution.
A good time was had by all.
Lemon Buttermilk Sheet Cake
(Adapted from Cooks Country)
Cake
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 egg yolk
Glaze
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1. For the cake: preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 13- by 9-inch baking pan. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl.
2. Combine buttermilk, lemon juice, and vanilla in small bowl.
3. Beat granulated sugar and lemon zest until moist. Transfer 1/4 cup sugar mixture to small bowl, cover, and set aside. Add butter to remaining sugar mixture and beat until fluffy. Beat in eggs and yolk, just until incorporated. Add flour mixture and buttermilk mixture alternately. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until top is golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes. Transfer cake to wire rack and let cool 10 minutes.
5. For the glaze: Meanwhile, whisk confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and buttermilk until smooth. Gently spread glaze over warm cake and sprinkle evenly with reserved sugar mixture. Cool completely before serving.
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