Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is my mother's birthday! My usual practice is to celebrate my family members on their birthdays, so how could I change up the routine?

Did you know...

• My mother is currently working at Hospice a nursing job that takes a very special kind of person. Not every person can face death with such dignity and grace. One might easily become overwhelmed by the surrounding heartache, but she turns it into strength and faith.
• She is bananas for orange and paisley...combine the two and watch out!
• She is so supportive, of everyone. I know that sounds like a blanket statement, but it isn't.
• She is so kind and generous with her time. She truly doesn't set limits.
• With that said she doesn't let people walk all over her either. She definitely has a backbone.
• She is so funny. She has a very kooky personality that really fits in well with our family.
• To know her is to love her, honestly.
• She is super creative. For most of my life she has told me that she is a carrier of the creative gene. However, since I have been working with her on Wyoming Rose I have seen great creativity from this woman!
• She is an amazing mother to all three of her children, the best mother-in-law and an absolutely amazing grandmother!
• She is passionate about the things she believes in.

Happy birthday to my amazing mother!

On a side note Cordelia has asked to dress like her grandmother to celebrate her birthday, nobody is really sure what that means.

Mom,
I am so proud to be your daughter. We all love you so much!
~Team W.

Happy Because

Today I am happy because...

• We (baby and I) had a great check up. All is going well! Measuring right on track, total weight gain of 4 lbs. so far. Feeling more baby wiggles every day.
  
• Tomorrow is my mother's birthday! Cordelia awoke this morning I heard singing from her room, "It's Gramma's birthday!" I reminded her that it was still one more day and we decided to make some cupcakes.
• The sun is shining and the wind is NOT blowing. We may get to spend some time outside today.
• Tomorrow is Eric's artist lecture and I can't wait to see him do his thang, that's right I wrote thang. Wait, I am feeling less confident about that word choice now so let's move on shall we?
• Last night I got to go to my regular yoga class AND then I took a long bath while Eric did all of the dinner dishes and entertained Cordelia. Then he put her to bed while I crocheted. I felt completely spoiled. He had a looong day, but was so sweet to give me a little time to relax.
• I am planning some good things for Eric to let him know how much he is appreciated!
  
• I am wrapping up a large scale crochet project of simple dishrags, but many of them.
• Sam, my youngest brother, will be over for lunch today. Last time he was over Cordelia and I tricked him into thinking she had learned to read. You see she has many books memorized, word for word. She even runs her fingers across the words as she goes, creating a very convincing show.
  
• Cordelia is currently beat boxing. Yes, she likes to beat box...
• I am happy because I choose to be.

Why are you happy today?

Evening Scenes

Flour


My helper, covered in flour


Matryoshka doll measuring cups (from Emily)


Eric, moving a painting out of storage to hang in the den. Notice his curator gloves still hanging out of his pocket from work.


Rolls of paper for various art projects.


A well used mop. It looks kind of sad...


Fresh bread, cooling on the rack.


Yours truly

Generaly I blog in the mornings, but I have to hit the road first thing in the a.m. (baby check up) and I won't have time for the usual routine. So, here I am with some photos from my evening and I am blogging by lamp light. We spent the evening working on the basement. We use the area all the time, but it has been the last space in the house to get much attention. We are finally getting somewhere as far as decorating goes. There was also some cleaning, some bread baking, and a lot of laughing at a silly girl.

I am eating a warm slice of fresh bread as I type this, slathered with vegan margarine and homemade apple butter (thanks to our friends Simon and Rachel). How do you spend your evenings?

Project: Mother's Book

When I found out I was pregnant with Cordelia I knew I wanted to do something that was very personal for my child. Something that would extend beyond the boundaries of the standard baby book. I wanted to make a connection with the child that was, at that point, no larger than the size of a pea. I wanted to share with this tiny little being how much I loved it, what I wanted for it in life and just to record those moments that make this one being special and unique.



I borrowed an idea that my mother had and ran with it a bit more. I went to the book store and found a couple of blank books ( I knew even then that there would be more than one child in our future). When I got home I tucked one book away to wait for a few years and the other book I cracked the spine, grabbed a pen and began writing.



What a weird feeling it was to write something to a total stranger. I didn't really know where to start. So I introduced myself and explained a bit about the situation. I told this mystery baby about her family and how we reacted when we found out that I was pregnant. Generally I geared my writing toward the adult this child would one day be.

As the months wore on I detailed the progress of my pregnancy; the day we found out she was a girl and eventually the day she was born. Most of those early posts are so emotionally charged, filled with hope and love. Over time I started writing about the little details of her life, of course I talked about the first smiles and baths, but I also write down the funny stories, the little charming tales that I could so easily forget to tell her later. Like how she used to chant, "Happy, happy, happy." Or the time she asked if Eric and I were smart. I replied, "Yes. Are you smart?" and she said, "Nope, I'm pretty."



Sometimes I will write in her book several times a month and other times it is maybe once a month. Sometimes I quickly jot down a sentence or two and other times I fill in several pages. My goal is just to give her a little glimpse into her life, the things that make her special and to detail how very much she is loved.

Recently I dug out the other book and made my very first entry for this littlest one. I expected it to feel pretty much the same, but already I have a sense that these two kids are distinctly different and I found that my relation of the same information was very different.

My ultimate goal is to one day hand these books off to my children, who will be just heading out into the world, and to remind them of all the little things that make them loved. If you want to start, even if your kids are much older I highly recommend it. My only rule (for myself) is to keep it positive.

Sunday Quote: Gentle Donkey

I love gentle donkeys.
~Maria Rose

Paper Feathers

I have a show opening in March and I have been busy at work getting everything squared away, writing the artist's statement (which I never enjoy) and putting the entire show together in a way that I am happy with. Last night, after Cordelia was sound asleep, I stayed up making paper feathers for the show.



How did you spend your Friday night?

Dreaming of Summer

Last night was kind of a long night. Cordelia is fighting off a minor cold and she was pretty restless. She spent the night in our bed and intermittently woke up to ask, "Momma wanna hold me?" or "Momma, Kleeeeeeeenex!" So my sleep was understandably disjointed, but in between the wake ups I had dreams of summer...





I dug my hands into rich soil. Cordelia and I walked barefoot in the grass. I watched ladybugs crawling about on leaves. My dream was nothing particularly special, just a combination of memories and plans, but it left me feeling a little bit of that summer sun inside.





The next month is usually the last major blast of winter with it tapering off in March and April. Generally this is the point in the season where most of us begin to feel a little bit claustrophobic going from one heated environment to the next. So, this dream was just what I needed to remind me of the good times to come. The dwindling summer rays on the green grass, more time outside than in. Open windows. Birds chirping. Pink lemonade. Watermelon. Oh and this summer we will have such a wonderful gift. Yes, I am absolutely dreaming of summer.

Recipe: Vegan Pineapple Fajitas and Bonus Photo For Grandma Carol

Sometimes by the time dinner comes around I feel as though I have no energy to come up with something that is healthy and fast. When I feel the tug to just declare it "sandwich night" I call upon old faithful, pineapple fajitas. This simple recipe takes almost no time to create and it is a crowd pleaser.



Ingredients
1 red bell pepper cut into strips or chunks (follow your heart on the cutting technique)
1/2 c. fresh or canned pineapple cut into bite sized pieces
1 c. your favorite vegan chicken alternative. I have used many varieties for this recipe and they all turn out well.
1 1/2 tsp. Jamaican (or Caribbean) Jerk seasoning
4-6 inch tortillas, warmed
*Optional garnish---a squeeze of lime juice or some chopped cilantro. I can't handle cilantro it makes me want to implode, but maybe you like it.

Directions
In a non-stick skillet over medium high heat cook the pineapple until it begins to brown a bit. Add the bell pepper and the vegan chicken. Add the Jerk seasoning, stir. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Place into the warmed tortillas and enjoy!



This bonus photo is for my Grandma Carol. Cordelia is wearing a hat made by her Great Great Aunt Eleanor. She wears it constantly and calls it her "party hat." We don't know why....

Vintage Vegan

The other day I was checking out my friend Sarah's online shop, aptly named Sarah's Place. Have you seen it? Click here to check it out !She sells a variety of vegan goodies and vintage finds. While I was checking out the newest goodies on her shop I stumbled upon the adorable shirt you see below and it was love at first sight.



I mean look at it! When I showed it to Cordelia she exclaimed, "Oh! (Gasp) That's a cute sweater! Can I wear it?"



I love dressing my girl in vintage clothes for many reasons. First is that it is nice to recycle perfectly wonderful clothing instead of buying new stuff. Second, it is so great to have a kid with their own individual style, rather than the standard outfits sold at the local big box stores. Finally, it is great to support a small business. Do you thrift or buy vintage?

Also, just in case you haven't heard, Sarah is also a vegan cookbook author. I highly recommend her books! All are available from her shop or pretty much anywhere.

Recipe: Vegan Breakfast Sandwich

I am not the kind of person who likes to eat the same thing for breakfast day in and day out. I like to mix it up! Today I looked at the cereal and couldn't muster up any interest. So, I decided that it was time to make breakfast sandwiches.

Here is how I made it today, though I will admit that my technique changes on any given day and is entirely dependent upon whatever ingredients I happen to have laying around. So, I guess I am saying there is a lot of wiggle room with this recipe.



Ingredients
English muffins
Block of firm or extra firm tofu, drained
turmeric
garlic powder
jarred salsa
Daiya Soy Cheese
Optional***vegan bacon, vegan sausage, jam, vegan cream cheese, etc. Put whatever sounds good on the sandwich!

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 F. T
Toast your English muffins lightly


Slice your tofu across the top to get the largest slab possible. Make it about 1/2 inch thick slice.


Use something (I used a cup) to cut out a round shape that is slightly smaller than the English muffin. You will have excess tofu, just save it for a breakfast scramble.


Place the tofu circles in a lightly oiled skillet over medium high heat. Lightly dust them with a sprinkle of turmeric and a dash of garlic powder. As you flip the tofu it will spread and turn the circle yellow and distribute the flavor. Cook on both sides for about 3-5 minutes. Don't let it get crispy or else it will be tough.


I added a spoonful of jarred salsa for flavor, but you can leave that out if you like. Spread it around with your spatula and turn off your stove.


Now it is time to assemble your sandwich. Lay out the bottom half of your English muffins onto a cookie sheet. Set the tofu circles on top. Sprinkle with Daiya vegan cheese. Add any additional toppings you like. Put the lid on and place in the oven for about 7 minutes, or until the vegan cheese melts.


Enjoy!

Winter Fun

A few weeks ago I was wondering how people get to spend much time outside in the winter. I longed to spend some time in the snow with my girl, playing and exploring. For some reason I couldn't understand why we weren't doing that this winter I could recalls points in my life where I had enjoyed playing outside in the snow, but here in Wyoming it just wasn't happening.

You see lately the wind has been blowing hard, as in hard enough to easily knock over a 2 year old. The wind has been known to do this to people's hair. It blows the cold in through your pores finds its way into your marrow and eventually it freezes your very soul. Oh wait, was that a bit over dramatic? Oh well, I did some awesome theater in elementary school I guess I still have a flair for the dramatics...

Anyway, yesterday morning we awoke to a fresh layer of snow and...I couldn't believe it, but there was almost no wind to speak of. The sun was shining, the weather was perfect for some outdoor play. So, we all bundled up and headed outside to enjoy the winter!




Cordelia throwing snow at her father


Eric throwing a snowball at me


Pink cheeks from multiple face plants


Strolling down the street









When it was all said and done we had so much fun just getting out to enjoy the snow and a little family time. How was your weekend?

Sunday Quote: Parallel Universe

I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. ~Author Unknown

Waiting for the Quirks

When I was pregnant with Cordelia Eric and I were a little bit panicked about what stuff we needed to acquire in order to ensure the safest, healthiest, happiest, most well adjusted baby EVER. OK, we really weren't all that bad, but it was always on our minds. We talked about how we would parent and raised all sorts of hypotheticals.

I remember so many experienced parents telling us that all we needed was a handful of outfits, blankets, and the bare essentials for cleaning and grooming a little being that pukes and poops more than one might imagine. Of course we knew this was all true, but when you are waiting to be a parent it is sometimes such a comfort to hold those little things as a reminder of the life that will soon arrive.

The second time around is a bit different. We have tubs of left over clothes in case we have a girl, some will work for either gender. So, we've held on to it. The baby toys are all in a box in the closet, waiting to be held in chubby little hands or waved in front of uncoordinated eyes.



We really haven't had it in us to hunt for new things for this baby because we don't really want for much at this point. However, once I passed into the second trimester and I could breathe a sigh of relief I began to feel like I wanted something just for this little one. So, on a recent thrift store venture I spotted this soft white sweater. I couldn't help myself. I tossed it into my cart and took it home. The sweater should fit perfectly this fall.

I hung it up and now I take a moment each day to look at it, to connect the external to the internal and to give this baby a moment of undivided attention. A pregnancy with a toddler around allows for much less pondering on my part, so I sometimes feel as though I need to make a concentrated effort to just direct my thoughts to this little being who is already so very precious to us.

One thing that remains the same is the constant question of "Who are you in there?" I don't know who I am growing, what they will be like and how they will impact our lives. With Cordelia I could never have imagined the things that she does, those little things that make her so unique and quirky. I look forward to discovering those kinds of quirks in our second child as well.

Wanderlust

Last night was my first lecture of the semester. I did my usual introduction which is comprised of equal parts serious scholarship, general awkwardness and humor. We covered the earliest human art last night, pausing to discuss Stonehenge I was taken back....I told the class of what it was like to look up at those huge monoliths in wonder. For just a moment I could feel the cool air of the Salisbury Plains, the sense of awe that we felt as we looked up at these monuments from the past. Suddenly I couldn't stop thinking about that trip and that time in my life.

I was 18 when I took my art tour of Europe, it was sort of an abbreviated version of the traditional Grand Tour. We went to Holland, Germany, France and England. Eric and I were able to take this trip together with a group of fellow artists and our beloved Copelands. For some reason I couldn't stop thinking about that trip all night. It would seem that I am having a little bout of wanderlust coupled with a strong dose of nostalgia.


Eric and I on the flight over. So young.


Sunset on the Rhine River, Germany


Big Ben (yes I know Big Ben is not the actual clock)

I am feeling the itch. I want to see more. I want to share that with my family. Obviously a European adventure may be off the agenda for this summer, what with being due to deliver a bay-bay smack dab in the heart of summer, but I am still thinking a lot about travel in my future. The world is so big and so amazing. I feel like I need to see more! I want our children to feel that the world is their home, that they can see the places that they read about in books.


Eiffel Tower


Monet's Garden


Looking at a Van Gogh

We have traveled a lot in our years together, but it seems that the more we travel the more there is to see. Eric and I have a list of places we want to visit some places we just want to re-visit: Italy, Greece, Russia, Iceland, Norway, Japan, China, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland, all over the US (we've seen a lot, but we want to see more), South America (not sure where), Egypt, oh man....I could go on and on. We just want to see it all!


Versailles

Do you travel a lot? Where do you want to visit and why?