Life With Cats ~A Brown Girl, a Blonde Boy, & a Couple of Fuzzy Felines

We Are Still Here & The Cycle of Life Continues...

2010-08-31T11:54:00.004-05:00

Oh my! With crazy work schedules, the summer garden, makeup arts madness with degrees of shining on YouTube, and life in general, this poor blog is so neglected. But the Blonde Boy & I are still here, working & playing hard, & loving life this summer.

On a sad note, we lost a dear family member yesterday, Susan Walcott. She fought a brave but difficult battle against cancer. She is / was loved and will be missed very much. >*<

I make a promise to stay better connected with our "homebodies and family blog."

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Peace
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The Latest from the B-W Household & Happenings :)

2009-11-17T13:52:00.009-05:00

First, lots of love, hugs & kisses to everyone from the Blonde Boy, kitties and me xoxoxox

Second, I apologize profusely for seriously neglecting this blog. Actually both Mitch and I apologize.

So here is the skinny on the latest happenings in the Brown-Walcott household:

I auditioned for and was accepted to the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus for the 2009-2010 season. WooHoo! I am finally singing again with a great bunch of ladies. Our mission: The Grand Rapids Women's Chorus is dedicated to singing music that celebrates and honors the diversity of women's lives. Drawing on music from many cultures, the Chorus strives to educate and inspire its community to promote justice, peace, and equality.

The Chorus has 2 events in the month of December!

Saturday, December 5th 2009 at 7:30 pm
Winter Concert and Reception!
Trinity United Methodist Churchmap1100 Lake Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Doors open at 7, Concert at 7:30. Reception follows the concert.
Not a ticketed event. Suggested Donation at the door is $10

Friday, December 11th 2009 at 7:00 pm
Musical Arts for Justice in the Community
Bethlehem Lutheran Churchmap250 Commerce SW
Grand Rapids, 49

The MAJIC concert series invited the GRWC to come and perform. Proceeds from their series this season go to “The Grand Rapids Coalition To End Homelessness.” Suggested donation is $10 at the door.

I would be so pleased is y’all could make it to our Winter concert. We have a great selection of music and I think you would really enjoy the event. Lots of yummy treats to be shared after the music! :)

While Mitch is still searching for a new job he has stayed busy. In fact he has once again collaborated with the German company Vermona on a new synthesizer. Because it is the prototype stage, the details are being kept quiet for now. The hope is that it will be in production for 2010.

Finally, my art has taken a fantastical and fun turn into makeup arts. I am simply translating my fine art background from ink, pen, and paint on paper & canvas to pencil, pigment and paint to the face & body. To document this ephemeral masquerade I film HD video clips and take raw digital stills. I produce video clips for my youtube channel degreesofshining. I am having a blast spending time in the studio, creating these theatrical, artful, dramatic looks. In fact I recently won a contest with my Lioness makeup.

I also entered a contest hosted by pixiwoo/fashionface tv. These gals are top notch makeup artists based in London. They had over 500 entries, with lots of great artists! It is a real honor to have been selected and highlighted in their finalist video.

Okay, that’s it for now. I make no promises but hope to do a better job of posting a bit more regularly.

Lots of love!
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Elise

The Garden 09

2009-07-08T14:31:00.004-05:00

My garden for 2009 is well underway at just about 4 1/2 weeks. My little tomato seedlings are now quite tall, standing 2 1/2 to 3 feet. But I confess week two was quite furious.Fuzzy tailed critters stripped all of my newly planted broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and peas down to stubs. Arrrrrrggggghhhhh! So I commissioned Mitch and his Dad, Tom to design and contruct some kind of fence to keep said fuzzy tailed critters out of my garden. Two weeks later, I have a wonderfully crafted fence with a double gate and 1/2 inch mesh wire. My replanted green stuff is growing wonderfully :)

Love & Peas
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2.0 Toy of the Day

2009-06-15T14:00:00.002-05:00

Got a minute to play...Wordle is the toy of the day. *E

A Little Bit of the KCAD Beaux Arts Ball

2009-06-10T15:25:00.008-05:00

On the eve of our much delayed honeymoon, I took Mitch to the return of the Kendall College of Art & Design Beaux Arts Ball. Sponsored by the KCAD Alumni Association in honor of and as part of the 2009 Student Exhibition and Graduation Week. Creative, fantastical and elegant costumes were part of a fun filled evening. Enjoy the slide show :)
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The Garden 2009

2009-06-08T12:20:00.012-05:00

Bleeding Heart

Rhododendron

Expanded Garden for 2009

Who would have thought I would love playing in the dirt sooo much! Let the garden posting begin! This year I expanded the garden a bit in both directions to add more yummy green stuff. So far I have planted onions, peas, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, eggplant, cucumbers and several kinds of tomatoes including: Mr. Stripey, Early Doll, Yellow Pear, Roma, Green Zebra, Black Cherry and a couple other I cannot recall. A good mix of cherry and heirloom.

For my birthday last year, Mom & Dave gave me an awesome garden gargoyle. He is now standing watch over my veggies. I promise there will be more posts to come with lots of pics, including KCAD's Beaux Arts Ball, Mitch's B-day, our Ireland 09 adventure, and Tokyo Morose (Tim's band) playing at this years G.R. Festival.

Love & Peace
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Happy Spring!

2009-04-29T11:20:00.010-05:00

Happy Spring…

We have had a lot of April showers this spring. Great for all the grass and flowers popping up in the yard…despite the yard still being a mess from winter. Eh, I keep promising to get out there…but then the rain…a vicious cycle.

Well, let’s see. I have a lot to catch up on.

Spring for the Arts...
A couple weeks ago we had the annual Spring for the Arts event in downtown Grand Rapids. Mitch and I went out to dinner with our Friday nite date Sarah & Steve to the Cottage Bar. I partook of fish and chips in pre-celebration of our May trip to Ireland…Then we walked all over downtown GR to look at lots of super cool stuff. We popped into the West Michigan Center for the Arts and also viewed work on exhibit at KCAD. Artists included Michael Ingold's MFA Show “World War IV,” Beth Jacobson, Megan Matthews & Susan Mulder’s joint MFA show, and paintings of Laurie Hogan in the main KCAD gallery. We also walked through the Active Site event entitled “Emerge,” which was in the “flatiron” building on Monroe. Our final art stop was the KCAD Grad Studios where we saw works by Beth Jacobson, Susan Mulder, Molly Pettengill, Tom Post, Jamin Rollin, and Devon Slattery. Check out the slide show below.

To end the night we stopped over to Little Bohemia Too to hear Tim’s band Tokyo Morose premiere gig in Grand Rapids. I think they have a great indie pop sound. Hey Tim, are ya ever gonna get back to writing something with me?!It was a good show! Slide show below.

One week until our Ireland adventure (aka delayed honeymoon trip)!!!

Trip Preparation...
True to form, I have have made my lists, checked and double checked them and done all kinds of shopping. Then there has been the packing, unpacking, repacking, repeat several times…and fretting over looking cute for the Blonde Boy…LOL! In the end, we are doing carry-on luggage only…While we are able to check one bag with no charge, we do not want to risk losing a bag on the way out. However, I think for our return trip we will check one of our bags, that way we can carry on all of the gifty, souvenir stuff.

And Mitch of course has not even started packing…though he has been working like a mad scientist on his super secret creative project…I will be most interested to see what he is up too. Me, I am just taking a small drawing kit with graphite…a little drawing will go me some good.

The other day my gym buddy Theresa asked me what I am most looking forward too on this trip. Here are my top three:

I. Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula - County Donegal. It is the most northern point in the country of Ireland, and the least visited. The land and seascapes are said to be breathtaking.

II. Slieve League Cliffs – County Donegal. Last trip we saw the Cliffs of Moher. Annunciated the “shhhleeve leeguh,” these cliffs are said to be the highest sea cliffs in Europe. I am not sure if we plan to hike to the top or take in the scenery by boat. Either way, it should be well worth seeing.

III. Achill Island – County Mayo. Accessible via car over bridge, this should make for a good day trip. With all of these places being coastal, we should be able to partake of some local seafood, tasty & fresh. Yum!

I am also looking forward to our stay in a couple Bed & Breakfast guest houses. This time we are staying at The Barclay House in Letterkenny (County Donegal) and The Boulevard Guest House in Westport (County Mayo). Both are purpose built and modern, yet have a comfortable down to earth appeal. We shall see.

Coming Stuff…
Well in the midst of our mad preparations for the trip, we still have a couple major events at Kendall. The Annual Student Exhibition is next Tuesday and Wednesday night is the return of the much hallowed Beaux Arts Ball hosted by the KCAD Alumni Association.

Masked merriment and magic is in the offering and it should be a fun time. I am just finishing up my mask for the event. I have no idea what is up Mitch’s sleeve. I promise pictures of both events…though probably after our trip to Ireland.

Love, peace & happiness *E
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Hah Hah Hah...It's March!

2009-03-11T11:37:00.010-05:00

Ummm, yes. I continue to neglect the blog. I apologize most profusely, as life had just continued to get in the way...LOL. But really, I am not complaining. As the Blonde Boy points out often, it is hard to keep me pinned down in one spot for too long. Unlike he and the cats who will get at least 3 times as much sleep as I will in this lifetime...but really I am not complaining.

So now, I will attempt to play some catch up and insert some slide shows to illustrate happenings over the past few weeks.

Fun With the Girls:

First, our fellow DEMF lady friend Sarah who recently celebrated her birthday in style in the little big city @ Rockwell's, The Hop Cat & Club Moxie

Second, my lady friend and gym mate Rebecca who also celebrated her birthday in style in the little big city @ the Ottawa Tavern & the BOB

As always our good friend Sarah, the kick@ss Director of Exhibitions at KCAD puts together great exhibitions and opportunities for artists to visit Kendall. The latest event entitled "Imaginings" featured the work of George Ferrandi and Christy DeHoog Johnson. The opening reception featured the musical stylings of Michael Schaeffer and tasty goodness from the Electric Cheetah. Post-opening, a group of cool peoples gathered at San Chez to share in good conversation, laughter, and the most tasty tapas the little big city has to offer.

Okay, I have to get back to my work week grind and be productive. Enjoy the pics. And I promise promise to blog a bit more often.

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Peace

Holidays 2008 & Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-14T12:32:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year

In the blink of an eye…2009. And happy for it. We are in dire need of a fresh start and the New Year is always good for this. As per normal, I was a bit weepy and reflective over the day leading up to New Year’s Eve…but it seemed appropriate with 2008 being such a challenge mentally, physically and emotionally. The holidays were a happy transitional time to now. Between the giant snow storm, a couple personal days and the forced College closure for the holidays, I had just about 17 days off. This being my first day back…back to routine and regularity…definitely ready for that as well. Unfortunately Dave, Mitch and I all came down with holiday cold/flu bugs. Lucky for me though, I could stay in bed for 4 days. All better now.

Christmas Eve

We celebrated Christmas Evening at our house for the first time. I set out treats that included some gourmet cheeses, veggie spinach dip in a sourdough bowl, chocolate drizzled macaroons, decorated sugar cookies, crab dip, and cordials including Limoncello and a lovely cherry port. We all worked on the traditional gingerbread house…this year it turned out to be a replica of the Great Kiva where Mitch and I got married. It was not without its troubles. Debbie and Mitch thought pressing the gingerbread dough into an angel food pan would give it the perfect shape…unfortunately the dough melted down into the pan. They attempted to re-bake the dough and then eventually glued it with icing to the pan for support. It had an authentic ruins effect. Then Susanne, Debbie and Mitch decorated it with all kinds of sweets. For dinner I prepared a beef roast and all kinds of fixings. Everyone’s favourite side turned out to be the caramelized balsamic sweet potatoes. For dessert I served a homemade New York style cheesecake with cherry, blueberry, and strawberry toppings. I am still very much in love with my Kitchenaid artisan mixer from last

Christmas.
Christmas Day

Christmas day was spent at Debbie and Dave’s. A bright sunny but cold day. The snow let up long enough for us to safely travel. We ate a lovely breakfast and then opened gifts. Susanne got a new digital camera. I figured it was time to teach her some new cost effective technology. There were lots of little gifts, music, books, treats, bath goodies, and a few surprises. Mitch gave me a new iPod in the apple green I love. I nicknamed it “peapod.” Finally from Mom (Debbie) and Dave…we got an 8’ kayak. I joked with Dave that I am going to keep my mouth shut from here on out. Every time I mention something, Santa seems to remember. It is a sweet little lightweight vessel. I am really looking forward to the spring now. Mitch rides his stand up jet ski non-stop. Now I can go paddling around Gull Lake. Fun! Christmas dinner was fabulous. Mom (Debbie) prepared duck with a glaze of cherry preserves & brandy. Yummy goodness! A lovely time was had by all.

New Year's Eve

So as I said above I then spent 4 days in bed…lots of sleep to be had. Not such a bad thing with slippery snowy weather. Mitch and I shared a New Year’s Evening spent inside. He wanted beef nachos and I got lobster and mussels on sale from the market. Yummy yummy goodness. I also made some rich chocolate mousse for dessert. We settled in and proceeded to watch the horror movie “30 Days of Night.” Oh Boy! Scary indeed.

A few days later I did some obligatory, final, discounted post-Christmas shopping, wrapped up all the tree ornaments & decorations, and packed Christmas away for another year…well 10 ½ months.

While slightly sad to see the holiday lights all get dimmed. Winter here is far too dark...I am happy for the fresh start and to look forward. Mitch and I are questing for our super late honeymoon...we are thinking cruise of the Southern Caribbean off season (May-ish of this year). Come on...big tax refund!

Love & Peace

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Annoyed and Starving or Vice Versa

2008-12-10T17:41:00.005-05:00

Hmmm. Been a while. As a good friend said recently "the word blog means neglected." LOL. Anywho. Here I am in Arlington Heights, IL, a burb north of the city waiting for the Blonde Boy to get back from his Crestron training. We are going out for Mandarin Chinese with the training group for dinner. I am starving...

So while waiting for him to return...let me reflect on today's adventure a.k.a Shopping in the Burbs and how annoying it was.

First, you should know that the sales tax in the Chicago area is 10%...um yeah. It's 6% in Michigan.

Second, shopping suburb housewives of Chicago are not nice people...in fact they are mean, unsmiling and dead on serious while shopping. For me shopping is a pleasure...out here it is a serious sport, not to be taken lightly. :o

In the end, the only thing I bought was a skirt for $10...and a new eyeshadow (gold spice) from the freestanding MAC store. I heart makeup...

The Woodfield Mall...too big and super annoying. I was out of there in 30 minutes.

In the end, there was nothing in the stores here that I could not find back in Grand Rapids. And save 4% in sales tax on top of that. Unimpressed I was. I will be reserving the holiday gift shopping for home. :(

So I look forward to tomorrow's adventure. Hopping a Metra train to the AIC and MCA in downtown Chicago. Which I would have done today, but it was super freezing cold. So today a got just a teeny bit of retail therapy on. Tomorrow I get my culture fix...sure to be much more pleasurable.

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Love & Peace
*E

Halloween Comes to KCAD

2008-10-30T14:21:00.004-05:00

I made it back from Cali just in time to participate in the 3^rd annual Kendall College of Art & Design Halloween party. Missed it last year, but ya know, getting married trumps Halloween.

Lots of cool, funny, original, unexpected, sweet, and super creative costumes this year, including Scooby Doo Incorporated, Rorschach (from the Watchmen), The Stay Puff Marshmallow Man, a matched set of Marionettes, Sarah Palin (“oh, Joe say it ain’t so, God bless your soul...”), a Harlequin, the Orbit girl, the Riddler, the Traveling Gnome, Wilma & Fred, Prince, Billy Idol, Sweeny Todd, and the list just goes on. Check out the slide show below.

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Love & Peace

p.s. I am the Lion with the big curly blond mane. Meow…

The Looking Back Entries - The Garden 08

2008-10-16T10:11:00.002-05:00

The slide show kind of says it all. I started with these tiny seedlings…and everyday I watched over my teeny babies and oohed and aahed over every new leaf and little bit of growth…and now in October, I still have tomatoes dropping off my past season bushes. Yes, worm poop, humus, fertilizers, and “Preen” (I barely had to weed because of this stuff, and it comes in an organic formula too!) all work wonders…especially for the truly “green” green thumb. It ended up being “no brainer” work. Pluck off the bugs, use a little soap spray, pick off dead leaves, pick anything “off ” looking, and water with care. Let nature do the rest. My first garden was truly a success.

In a couple weeks, I will have clean-up and prep the beds for their winter rest. However, I already have big plans for next year’s planting, including extending the first bed and adding a second 6' x 15' bed. I also learned what we do and do not like. Loved the broccoli and the pole beans not so much...I will try green beans next time. Loved all the tomatoes, but the watermelons did not fair well. I really want to try cucumbers next go around. All the spices did well. I may try my hand at garlic...I also need to start my growing season a bit earlier and stagger plantings so I have fruit ripening across the season. It is so exciting to look forward. To know we are doing a small part to "go green!" by composting and growing and producing some of our food.

Finally, I was actually a little sad because my potted bleeding heart did not really grow or flower this year. But surprise surprise, right now in mid-October it is in full bloom with flowers larger and pinker than before. It’s a happy thing!

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Love & Peace

The Looking Back Entries - Yes We Can!

2008-10-15T15:27:00.011-05:00

Obama came to the little big city October 2nd, on the eve of what literally could be the most important election of our life times.

I remember a time when I could not care less about all things politics. I am sure I thought that politics had nothing to do with me, did not apply to me, and that it was all so above my head that I would never understand them anyways.

Jump forward some 20+ years to now, and I do not remember a more riveting year of politics since I started voting…well aside from Al Gore being shoved aside and Bush sitting in the Oval Office for 8 stunning years of economic decline and war. Blindsided and whacked upside the head…is our America…yes stunned and shocked.

Today, up close and live I got a good look and listen to the man who could very well be our next President…and it was good. He speaks to the everyman…everywoman, struggling to make it all work out…and I mean all of it: income, taxes, housing, employment, education, health insurance, etc. He speaks to the needs that all of us have. Some say seeing him in person was an historical even. Nevertheless he was riveting.

3 weeks til Election Day! Get heard! GO VOTE!

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Love & Peace

On the Eve of 40

2008-09-07T21:43:00.003-05:00

Eh, everyone knows that 40 is the new 30 according to our anti-aging obsessed society. Hey, I confess to having been seduced into the regular use of eye gels and creams years ago…and despite my husband’s love of grey hair…I prefer the burgundy black cherry of Feria…LOL Though I think in a few years I will have a head of rich platinum-silver hair.

Yup, 40 years…born the year MLK (Martin Luther King) was assassinated. For many years I believed that MLK was very much alive when I was…and I was saddened to learn I missed a shared time with him by 5 months.

Turns out 1968 was an intense year. Just 2 months after MLK was murdered (April 4th), RFK (Robert F. Kennedy) was also assassinated, on June 8, 1968. There was a time when the Summer and Winter Olympic s were contested every 4 years in the same year. The year of my birth the Winter Olympics were held in Grenoble, France and the 19^th Olympiad was held in Mexico City, Mexico in October. This is the same Olympics which produced the iconic image of two medal winning runners with their arms raised in the black power salute.

The year of my birth was also rife with the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War raged on, and Richard Nixon was elected president. Pope Paul VI published Humanae Vitae, condemning birth control, and the day before my birth, 150 women protested the Miss America pageant as exploitative. It’s any wonder I turned out to be a pretty intense young woman.

To me the 40 years I have lived up to this moment appear to have passed in the blink of an eye. And now I am here, hoping to live my next 40, with my eyes, mind, heart and soul wide open to all the joys, sorrow, pain, and happiness that may come my way.

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Love & Peace

In Loving Memory of Sue

2008-08-31T21:01:00.003-05:00

In Loving Memory of
Sue Ellen Walcott
Passed Away August 31, 2008

Challenging Times for All

2008-08-22T08:49:00.003-05:00

In the past few weeks it has been a challenging time for close friends and family.

There has been the loss of a beloved pet, serious illness for another pet, and a dear family member who is currently in the hospital struggling with her health.

Both Mitch and I send you love and prayers and keep you in our hearts and in our thoughts. Our love and support is constant.

For those who are struggling and we do not know it, you too are in our hearts and thoughts...

If I have learned one true thing in the past few years, it is that the balance to life joy, laughter and successes, is the life challenge of loss, tears, and disappointment. And that this balance is maintained by a continual cycle. So as we struggle now through the difficult, eventually we will find the light and there will be ease and peace again.

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Love & Peace Always
Elise

The Garden - Week 8

2008-08-07T08:59:00.007-05:00

Remember when?

The best advice I got way back in June about gardening was from the Master Gardener at the Home Despot for the Home Desperate (Home Depot to everyone else). He said "Dig in the dirt. plant stuff, and water it. It will grow..."

Now I have Green Things are busting out all over! We had a nice soaking thunderstorm last night, so everything smelled so wonderfully earthy, wet and fresh this morning. The squash and the watermelon plants are running amok. I finally found the squash has fruit. Still waiting on the melons. Peppers are coming along slowly but nicely. In addition to the Cherokee Purple, the Money Maker, Green Zebra, and Mystery Tomato plants (which I now believe to be Cherry ) all have lots of green fruit. Tonight I will pluck the green beans for dinner. It is so excited to know we will be eating something I grew from a tiny seedling. I am amazed and delighted to know I can grow Green Things.

8 weeks Later

Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Green Beans

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Love & Peace

Welcome to August...

2008-08-07T08:42:00.009-05:00

Look away for just a moment and we are well into the month of August...leaving less than 4 weeks until Kendall College is in full swing...and summer will be a just a glimmer of memory. I'd like to say we have had some dog days of summer...more like kitty days around our house. Hence the following pictorial.

Often when I get the camera out, I get the look of disdain. This one I call "Who You Lookin' At?!!"

My handsome boy.

The Red Dead Thing (formerly a coat collar Strider stole from the donation bin in the basement) - The Dead Thing is often left with love or in warning at various places around the house

Uncouth Kitty - Nano in one of her signature positions in the big glass window. Since we put in the new furniture she can lounge on and a bird feeder out in the front yard, this is where you will most likely find her.

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Love & Peace

The Garden Grows On...Week 5-ish

2008-07-24T08:23:00.009-05:00

The Garden Grows Strong and Green

Tomatoes are popping out all over the place. It is so exciting!

But the baby bunnies seem to be gone now. I miss them.

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Love & Peace

ResFest Party 08

2008-07-22T15:09:00.017-05:00

Fabulous company, conversation, and food was to be had at Trish & Eric's Silver Leaf Renaissance Festival Party in honor of the Silver Leaf Ren Faire this past Saturday evening.

Trish and a Chalice of Mead

Elise & Mitch

Steven & Sarah

Mitch and Alfonso the Ren Punch Gargoyle

Fabulous Roast Turkey

George with Stuffed Roasted Ducklings. Oh so Yummy!

A Wonderful Feast!

Wet Wenches!

Trish & Eric

A Baudy Song!

Drum Circle

Bunny Watch - Day 2

2008-07-11T08:24:00.004-05:00

This time I checked before I watered the flowers under our backyard tree for little visitors.

These two bunnies were happily snuggling and snoozing in the same spot.

+x* Love & Peace

The Garden - Week 4

2008-07-10T08:49:00.008-05:00

This week our backyard got a visit from Peter Cottontail or I should say 6 teeny Peter Cottontails. Oh so cute! Mama Cottontail lives nearby in the front yard, under a giant pine tree.

The Garden grows on...

My favorite lilies bloomed this week...gianormous Stargazers. Love em!

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Love & Peace

4th of July Fun!

2008-07-08T11:28:00.038-05:00

We could not have asked for weather more perfect for the holiday. Mitch , Tim (his cousin), and I drove down to the Lake for a day of fun on the water with Mom, Dave, & Grandma Minarik (Dave's Mom). All of our usual playmates were out of town,had other family gatherings, or had to work…bummer! So it was just the 6 of us.

Mitch rode the stand-up jet ski like a madman most of the day…and was sore & limping for the rest of the weekend. Tim got up the nerve and rode on his own for the first time. I think he really enjoyed it. Mom & Dave got the annual 4th of July keg-O-root beer…which Mitch and Tim decanted completely at the end of the day into (8) 2 liter bottles, & (2) gallon jugs.

We had a 4^th of July feast made up of crab dip & crackers, mango peach salsa & chips, grilled chicken, Mom’s fabulous potato salad & baked beans, red, white & blue Jello, and watermelon. Yum!

For dessert we had Mom’s homemade vanilla ice cream and birthday cake in honor of Dave’s b-day, and root beer floats. Super Yum!!!

Dave loved his b-day gift, a new digital camera. I have a feeling he will take twice as many pictures as I do from here on out. :)

After our feast Dave took Tim, Grandma Minarik, Ebony, and me on a boat tour around Gull Lake. It was sunny and beautiful!

In between playing on the water, we were lazy, sitting in the sun & shade, reading & and snoozing. The day slipped away and as it got dark, we went back out on the Lake to see the fireworks. Way too many skeeters, but it was a fun way to complete the holiday.

Hope y’all had a fabulous 4^th as well. Would love to hear what you did.

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Love & Peace

The Burden of the “Over-share” and an Apology…

2008-07-03T15:52:00.008-05:00

I at times, probably too numerous to count, have barreled through my daily machinations without paying much attention to my interactions and conversations with people coming and going through their own personal machinations. In my nature from a young age and probably born out of a need for acceptance and approval and to be genuinely liked…I have been and tend to be a very open person. Yes, I do have secrets and hidden thoughts and dreams…but for the most part my everyday stuff…not much to hide.

I often forget about the etiquette of personal and professional boundaries. I am in a work environment with people who work at several defined levels and roles: Faculty, staff (e.g. administrative staff, maintenance staff, library staff), and students at different points in their education and maturity levels (e.g. undergrad and grad, student assistants working throughout the school). However, I treat everyone with equal respect and kindness…and it goes without saying deference to those who are experts in their own realm of responsibility. I want everyone I genuinely like to feel welcome to talk with me, and to feel they are listened too when they do. I kind of forget the boundaries. I guess I have expected the same in return, reciprocity, and perhaps overly so.

I talk…a lot. I listen too…perhaps not as much as I should…We could all listen more. All that talking and not really thinking…about the effects my words, my life stories, my “over-shares” are having on the people I am conversing with directly and indirectly the people rotating around me on a daily basis. It never occurred to me that my “over-shares” could be placing a burden on those individuals…who most likely have burdens of their own to bear/bare. I am thankful for this being brought to my attention…despite it also being painful to hear. I felt really crappy…not for the constructiveness of the observation…but that I could unintentionally be hurtful to others with my openness. That is the last thing I would want to do to someone, who is equally if not more so challenged with shit in their own life.

I forget that not everyone wants to hear that things may genuinely be crappy in my life…that their life might be even crappier than mine at that given moment. Sometimes, the abbreviated “Hi. How are you?” begets the abbreviated answer “I am doing okay.” There is no need or want for the elaboration or the 10 minute story on this, that or the other. I get talking and I forget. I am just that open. It is who I am. I guess I need to be more aware.

After some hurt heart feelings, and a few tears, I genuinely felt sorry…not for myself. I just felt bad…so this is my written “I am sorry…” to have been self-absorbed, self-centered, and “over-sharing” left and right for these past 8 months. With the “I am sorry” comes a promise, to talk less, to listen more, and to respect personal boundaries. And by the by, “I am doing okay.”

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Love & Peace

Garden Week 3

2008-07-01T14:06:00.004-05:00

Growing green things is healing.

I am Who I am and Who isThat?

2008-06-25T13:44:00.010-05:00

Monday June 23^rd/ Tuesday June 24^th

In the not so distant past, I was making my annual visit to the doctor…and each year before I meet with the Dr., the assistant to the Dr. will weigh me and measure my height. Well, I came to terms a long time ago regarding my weight. It goes up, it comes down. I am a curvy girl…I have even heard the not so pleasant phrase “fit but fat…” in reference to my body type. Regardless, I live a pretty healthy lifestyle with regular workouts at the gym (cardio, Zumba, weight training…), inline skating (when our local paths are not torn up by construction, ARRGGHH!), and gardening. I digress.

My height is another matter entirely. Kind of like my shoe size, always between an 8 and 9, I have always been 5’ 4”…well not on this particular day and date. The assistant announced firmly that I was 5’ 3 ½”. Eh?! What did you say?! No, I am 5’ 4”. No, you are 5’ 3 ½”. Right. Yeah. Thanks a lot. Now according to every BMI calculator out there, I am obese for my height. Needless to say the rest of that day and some of the day to follow, I was pretty pissy. Yeah. I went from average height to short. And then I got over it…no big deal. Okay. So where am I going with this story. Well, unfortunately I recently had my worldview and my place in it, oh say, just slightly readjusted once again.

Ethnic background. You know, ethnicity, all the stuff genetic and cultural that makes you, you in unique and shared ways? The popular and to me incorrect terminology often used to define this stuff, is race. Yeah. Don’t like that term…we are all in entirety the human race. Anyways. In the new relationship I am forging with my Mom, we have started talking again. And our conversation the other day found its way round to ethnicity. I did not always love the all-American mix I am.

In the 80’s, troubles with school mates and kids around the way stemmed from my mixed ethnicity. Most likely it was because of my unusual skin color. I was not white and not black. I was somewhere in between. Think of a cup of coffee, a breakfast blend with lots of sugar and cream in it. My brother’s and I were unique to our community. Things are very different now in 2008. Back then the popular slurs including, Oreo, mutt, zebra, and mulatto…Ignorance and fear born out of not understanding and not knowing how to relate to someone “different.”

Later on, I would say a few years into university, I stopped worrying about my skin color. It did not define me. In fact l loved that I could not be placed, labeled, identified. I found it amusing and still do to be asked, “Hey what is your background?” I often make the inquisitive party guess before I divulge the “recipe.” My list of possibilities now includes: White, Black, American Indian, Italian, Greek, French, Latin American, Puerto Rican, Columbian, Mexican, Brazilian, Indian, Egyptian, and Persian. Well, in my book and to my understanding I have always been Irish, English, German, Sioux, and African American, hence the “All-American” tagline.

Well, in a revealing moment with my Mother, I was stripped of a long held belief in my ethnic makeup. I am not, after all American Indian. Never mind my lifelong affinity for various Indian peoples, cultures and cultural artifacts. Never mind my deep at heart love for the Southwest and the desire to live somewhere in those lands. No. Neither of these loves can ultimately be defined by my genetic and/or ethnic makeup. I am not American Indian. Oh, here comes another pissy day or three or ten. I am not American Indian. I feel the loss of it. But, did I ever know of my tribal ties or actual blood content? No. I just never questioned it. My belief was that, that information was long lost to me when my Mom had her motorcycle accident. I just never asked. However of late, time with my Grandma, Mom, and Aunt is running to the short side. So, I have started asking questions. And lucky me. I am getting answers. Not necessarily answers to my liking, but truths nonetheless. No. I am not American Indian.

One more problem at hand. Oh yes. Just one more twist to my ethnicity tale. This portion of my worldview has been intact lifelong and could explain my sadness at losing the American Indian part of my being.

I have a Dad. Mr. Bill Brown. He lovingly adopted me after he married my Mom. He is not my biological father. My biological father according to my Mom’s spotty-at-best memory is one William McGhee, of Brooklyn, New York, whom she met and courted in Boston in 67-68. He met me one time not too long after I was born. Supposedly, he joined the Coast Guard right after that. He was never seen or heard from again.

Yes, I am sad at the loss of my American Indian self…But remember I have already passed 39 years missing 50% of my total genetic & ethnic makeup. Not to mention, all the inherent problems with trying to establish the medical history of that missing 50%. And what about actual blood relatives? Like brothers and sisters? Paternal grandparents? William McGhee’s mother, my paternal grandmother was a big fat Black woman. Current status of blood relatives: Unknown and with the current odds of slim to none against me, not likely to change.

I can truthfully say, I had come to accept that there is 50% of me I will never know beyond a name. It does go along way however, in explaining why I look so different from my brothers and the maternal side of my family. Think short, brown skinned, curvy girl with dark brown eyes, and darkest brown hair, and standing next to women lean in frame, with pale skin, light colored eyes (hazel, blue) and blonde hair.

Hi, I am Elise - less 50% of my biological makeup which is unknown and I have no American Indian blood ties. I stand a short but strong 5’ 3 ½” tall and have Irish, English, German and African American blood running in my veins. I am a brown skinned, curvy girl with dark brown eyes, and darkest brown hair often streaked red. I have been a happy girl most of the days of my life. I will be happy with who I am in totality sometime soon. The lesson is to remember that it is not my skin color or even the inherited genetic ethnicity that makes my skin brown that is my defining identity. No, it is just a small part. Ultimately, my identity is a far more detailed complex, complicated and unique recipe...and I am okay with that.

+x*
Love & Peace

Playing Catch Up...

2008-06-23T09:35:00.025-05:00

As always, I start to journal and get pulled into this and that. So what follows is a mashup of days in my attempt to catch up.

Tuesday June 17th
Eh! My wonderful week off came to an end so quickly…but then again, I did so much, time just flew. C’est la vie. Have to work to pay the bills and to play. All in all though I am so pleased with all that I got done in one week’s time. My return to work was not unwelcome and well timed. Turns out I returned to a busy place with lots of meetings and lots to of work. *sigh*

Monday June 16th
My last day of vacation was partially spent with my friend Sarah and Kendall colleague Meredith.We had a lunch date at the new location of Graydon’s Crossing in the “Gaslight” area of Grand Rapids.In fact we were there for their inaugural lunch. Quite tasty indeed. They have this weird fusion menu of Indian and British crossed with New England dishes. I had a dish called the Colonies Pasty…kind of like
Thanksgiving dinner wrapped up in puff pastry. Yummy goodness. We then strolled over to the Spice Merchants…store filled with the aromas of fresh spices. Take down canister after canister to catch a whiff of what was inside. I splurged and bought a savory nut concoction with cayenne pepper in it. (*I roasted those pecans this past Saturday evening. They came out crunchy sweet hot with a slow afterburn.)

Sunday June 22^nd, 11:40 AM
Work was so crazy busy this past week. Even though I only worked three days…trying to catch up after a week off…ugh! Everyone and their relation were seeking me out because I was “missing” for a week. LOL. It is nice to be wanted. Anywho. I taught and had several meetings and got all kinds of good news…like the College is completely going Mac and not looking back! No don’t get me wrong. I am not going to look the gift horse in the mouth and tell them I don’t want a new iMac desktop (20”)…Pretty sweet, huh!? But everything we do Library is PC based. On the flip side, ¾ of my students and just about all the faculty now have Mac laptops…So I also put in a request for a Mac laptop for my instruction sessions. Hey if they are using Macs, I need to learn to teach on one, to better troubleshoot student/faculty issues when they are trying to access Library resources electronically. But enough about work.

My work week ended Friday with our last ILR meeting in Lansing and our picnic party. Very nice and lots of laughter to be had…I will miss working with the group very much. We are hoping with the new incarnation of MLA we will still be able to work together, network, etc.

My weekend dawned bright and I was outta bed by 7:00 on Saturday to race off to the Farmer’s Market. Why you may ask?…Well in my failing to chronicle the end of my vacation week, I did not get to convey my excitement over my vegetable garden. I spent the previous Friday (during my so called restful vacation) cleaning up my messy front and back yards and overturning a plot about 16’ x 5’ to start my first vegetable garden. The master gardener at the Home Despot for the Home Desparate could not believe I was walking the next day. But I had so much fun. The afternoon moved between being sunny and warm to rainy, wet and warm. By the time I was satisfied and called my task done, I was covered head to toe in mud…nothing like playing in the dirt to bring back childhood memories.

I love love love the Farmer’s market. Fresh everything, including beautiful bouquets of peonies, sugar peas, garlic scales, strawberries, peaches, mini red potatoes, all kinds of baked goods, fresh eggs and meats. In the coming month, the strawberries will get better and blueberries and raspberries will pop in. And my favorite “heirloom tomato ladies” will have their famous garlic…all kinds…Got Garlic?

This is what I have planted in the past two weeks:
Perennials:

Meadow Phlox – “Miss Lingard”

Delphinium – Purple and White

Chocolate Euphatorium- 2 in a shady corner of the yard

English Roseum Rhododendron- Two new bushes in the back yard

Annuals:
The only annuals I can abide are Petunias and Fuchsia – I dislike buying stuff that is going to die and not come back the next year. Some how a waste to me and makes me slightly sad. I can get petunias and fuchsia in pretty shades of purple and pink, and that makes me happy.

In my brandy new Veggie garden:

Green Zebra Tomatos

Money Maker-What a name for a tomato

Cherokee-Purple slicing tomato

Bush basil, lime basil, Italian parsley

Broccoli

Watermelon

I was also gifted a squash of some sort, some kind of bean, and a tomato from a KCAD grad student...so they are in the ground too. I still have a small bit of space left…so maybe I will also plant some rosemary, cumbers, beans this coming weekend.

Composting is Fun!
I finally slept in a bit this morning. Just long enough for it to be too long, each cat yowling, poking, pawing, and jumping on and off the bed to make me get up. Mitch and I had our usual Sunday breakfast and he was off to the folks for lake therapy. I went out and got our compost pile started, my green initiative for this summer. Did you know how much stuff is allowable in the compost pile? Things like shredded newspaper, dryer lint…I was amazed and thrilled that we can reduce our waste and create rich nourishment for the flower and garden beds in the yard. I bought this bright pink miniature garbage tin with a lid to hold our kitchen leavings and keep the stink contained. Just makes doing a good thing even more fun.

I leave you with a pic of Mitch on his first day of 08 lake therapy, riding the new (used) stand up jet ski. I am not quite ready to give that one a try yet. As the same day I took the pic, I did a spectacular job of flipping the other jet ski at top speed with Mitch riding behind me. You could hear me laughing across the lake in hilarity. The stand up jet ski will have to wait til I get the courage up again.

+x*
Love & Peace

The United State of *E – Continued

2008-06-17T18:17:00.017-05:00

Wednesday, June 11th
A slow and easy start with the pressure in my chest diminished and the weight on my shoulders lifted. Nan was in the bed with me, sound asleep, laying on her back, legs extended, belly bared and wide open with somesubconscious knowledge that she was safe and secure. I remember last night that I had the windows open when I got in bed. I could hear summer night sounds…especially crickets. have loved that sound since childhood and I fell into a peaceful sleep.

someone somewhere has made a wonderful recording capturing just what I am trying to relate inadequately through the medium of writing. I have some notion that if I take the time to write just a bit each day, I will become freer in the flow of words from my conscious mind to the page…who knows. There is that novel I will write sitting on my bucket list.

The day brought shopping, or what I fondly call “retail therapy.” No, credit cards cannot solve problems…I really disliked my horoscope of the day. In fact let’s see if it is still sitting in the trash can of my hotmail account.

Ahah! Here it is: “You can't purchase your way out of today's problems, so make sure that you keep your credit cards at home or find some other way to just meet your issues head-on. Your talent is enough to get you where you need to be.”

Okay, so I did not entirely dislike it. However, I did not leave my credit card (singular and attached to my checking account…) at home. And while retail therapy did not solve some of my problems today, I sure had a blast getting this and that for our home. Including, pillows for that fab living room and a funky clock for the kitchen.

And yes, unfortunately, I did buy yet another pair of shoes. Hey gladiator sandals are in for the summer season, a must have! LOL. Mitch thought them rather sexy. You judge.

Sugar Rush, Crunchy Feet, and Cake Love.

One of the brandy new books I took out from the library…hey I am a Librarian and this is what we do…we borrow books. In fact I have oh, say about 14 books and some media on hand…Warren Brown has this Food Network show called Sugar Rush and it features some “died and gone to pastry heaven” goodies. His new book “CakeLove” is also the name of the bakery he opened 2002. Once a lawyer, he found his true love and calling in baking cakes. Anywho, I found his book the day before vacation and decided it was time to add a new cake to my baking arsenal…believe it or not…baking is a relaxing and fun thing for me too! My choice is his “Sassy” cake, and orange mango sweetness filled with Italian meringue butter cream. Oh and I forgot to mention the liqueur…tequila, and dark rum and cayenne pepper. Sure to be a yum taste sensation.

Let me add a random babble here. I also know several librarians who are “bibliophiles,” “biblio-junkies,” and “biblio-addicts.” While I love books, I am not much of a collector. I do have some, but I truly have to be drawn to a book. It literally has to speak to me in some way. And true to form as an artist and art historian, the majority of the minority I own are art related. Plus, I would rather borrow it first than be stuck with a disappointing text…also known as buyer’s remorse. Um. I own more music than print media. But that is another story for another time.

What will day three bring? A couple outta the house errands, but for the most part I have homework to do and planned on “resting,” with a potential Zumba boogie session at 7:00 PM. But for now I am off to bed…sleepy girl.

Friday 12:38 AM

One Choice, One Life, One Voice, One Time, One Chance to Love Yourself ~ the Realm

Rest…oh yeah. That was what day three of stay @ home vacation was suppose to bring. Perhaps I need to redefine the meaning of rest to suit me. LOL! Aside from the usual Elise shopping and household errands, the day did bring some wonderful moments. I had a great Zumba class and Debbie (head instructor) sprang several new tunes and dances on us…It was great!

I also had a splendid repast for supper, courtesy a stop earlier in the day to G.B. Russo & Son, a super-sweet, recently expanded, gourmet foodie store in SE Grand Rapids. I popped in looking for orange oil for the above mentioned Warren Brown “Sassy” cake. Oh and did I revel in their fine cheese selection. Someone smart there knows to package the really good, expensive yummy stuff in tiny packets for sampling…and with Mitch gone for the night I thought a cheese and fruit plate would be perfect for supper. After much perusal, I selected Fromager d’Affonois (French double cream), Delice de Bourgogne (French triple cream), Fontina Fonta (Italian), Stilton White with crystallized lemon bits, a tiny piece of Parm Prociutto, and Pancetta Citterio. For fruit, I added a lovely ripe mango, some strawberries, slices of Haas avocado, and just a few Wheatable crackers. What would have made it perfect, a chilled glass of Muscato d’Asti, or maybe Spumante or Gewürztraminer. Yes, I have a thing for the sweet wines. But alas, I had that kickass Zumba session and decided to behave…Maybe tomorrow night

Disconnect and Reconnect

I also got a long distance phone call from an old friend, once found again. Lord, I hope I did not talk his ear off…please forgive me *J. We talked and laughed for a long time and it was wonderful to hear his voice…He said some time ago in an email…that distance and time somehow softens the past. We have both grown into our 40 something selves with unique yet shared experiences. His life in RI has been a life of connection and my life across the US has been riddled with disconnections. I am so pleased to have him in my life again.Well, I am truly off to bed now. I made well over my 500 (695 in fact, not including the emails I sent out as well.) and I have my “play date” with Sarah tomorrow morning, day 4 of vacation. There will be a trip to the Farmers’ Market. My first visit this year. The organic egg lady will be very happy to see me. Since November, I have been saving all of our egg cartons just for her to reuse. Just one of my “green” efforts…Brown eggs are local eggs and local eggs are fresh…a little commercial ditty from years ago…Goodnight

+x*
Love & Peace

The United State of *E

2008-06-10T22:19:00.014-05:00

Monday, June 9^th

When I woke this morning it was from a “dead dreaming sleep.” You know the kind…where the dreams are solid state and you are disoriented…perhaps not actually in the bed where you are laying, or just arriving back from an alternate universe. I woke and it was good. For the first time in months I felt like the old Elise. Maybe it was the knowledge that after half a day spent in my doctor’s office and the other half spent at work, settling affairs that I would be on “stay at home” vacation for one full week. Or perhaps it was that I found two warm fuzzy sleeping bodies on either side of me, giving comfort only the way feline companions do. Despite being as sick for as Iong as I have been, I was happy. I was at home in my home. This house is clean…

Susanne is in her new home. I visited 24 hours after the big move, made smooth and easy by the loving helping hands of family and friend. I love you all by the way, very much for your selfless giving of time and effort. She was hysterical. She outright cried for the first time since she moved to Michigan to be under my care. I was unsympathetic. Call me a bitch…call it tough love. I told her she was going to have to pull it together, because there are no other options. She calmed down. I asked her if she had eaten anything since the day before. No. Well gees Mom, no wonder you are feeling ill and upset! We went food shopping. She bought a big ass bag of cashews, Oreo cookies, and nacho cheese Doritos…that would put a smile on any junk food junkie’s face. I left her in better spirits.

The Doctor said:

“You have stress induced asthma that has run your body down enough to contract viral bronchitis. Which in turn has led to your daily pain filled muscle spasms on the left side of you body and chest wall strain…which in turn has led you to GERD…for those who do not know…the simple term is acid reflux trickling up my esophagus and back down into my lungs…here are several new prescriptions for Valium, Prilosec, and another inhaler. Go forward my child and rest one full week...you won’t heal for another month.” I have decided I like the properties of 2.5 milligrams of Valium. My muscle spasms lessen and I feel oh so mellow. Thank goodness this is a short term non-refillable medication.

Tomorrow is the first day of my full week of vacation. Our new furniture set arrives first thing. The cats will be disappointed. They have been running full force to slide across the floor into the living room walls. This is apparently is great kitty fun. Maybe too much catnip mommy? “I’m your pusher baby…” Alas, there is no time for rest, no time to enjoy plush reclining…no rest for the wicked or the sick…I am off to Mother to wait and have her cable and the telephone service installed. Aaah, gotta love the 3 hour window of opportunity and the cable guy that shows up 5 minutes before the close of that time frame. I will be bringing a book and plan on napping. Speaking of which, I am off to bed now…for 8 full hours of sleep. Goodnight.

Tuesday 11:35PM

I'm wiped out. It was a long but good day. Our new living room arrived right on time and the delivery guys loved my brownies. I had just enough time to test out all the reclining functions...twice. Love it, love it!

Then it was off to Mother...who genuinely seemed in better spirits today. We got alot done between the two of us. The adjustment to her medication seems to be already having an effect. I left her early in the evening with a smile on her face, newly installed king cable...at least 70 channels, and a land line phone that will allow her to call anyone anywhere anytime. What's not to be happy about?!

I raced home to race back out to the gym for my Zumba class...and struggled on through it, allbeit with a smile on my face. Yes, I am still taxed with breathing problems. but my mental game sparked through. I just love to dance...that is all there is too it. But, I do clearly see now, that I need to rest. I promised...that is the only way I am going to heal all the way around.

Overall, day one of stay@home vacation was productive and busy...but the next 6 days are dedicated to rest, relaxation and giving myself a much needed break...Um...with a Zumba class thrown in here or there...Hey, I am wearing my heart monitor and have my inhaler on hand. I promise not to over do it.

More on the "United State of *E's" vacation to come.

The pictures above left to right - Strider:The Bag Baby...My studio empty, Our new living room set...very comfy and a happy thing, My studio- almost back to normal, another very happy thing.

+x*
Love & Peace

Movement and Moving Out and Moving On…

2008-06-03T15:43:00.008-05:00

Yes my loving friends and family, last week I literally had the week to beat the band and this week is not looking much better.

Let’s start with Movement 08:

They say some 75,000 were in attendance over the 3 day weekend. Whoever “they” are. This number was key in that “they” were not going to have the festival again in 09 if “they” did not reach the magic number of 65,000. Well, I guess we can look forward to Movement in 09 and perhaps another chance to redeem all that was funky, off and bad this year. Unfortunately because I was seeking up lifting, soulful, melodic music, I found myself quiet disappointed. There were a few bright spots…Mike Grant and Terrance Parker both spun at the Underground Real Detroit Stage and truly moved me body and mind. Mitch would agree…As for the rest of the “twinks,” “e-tards” (referencing the use of Ecstasy), Club Kids gone wrong, drunken foolishness, and worst of all, oppressive, depressed, angry and soul-less music...We should have skipped day 2. Another highlight was catching up with our friend Sarah. She looked FAB! And has some great plans for her future, including a possible relocation to the little big city, known as Grand Rapids. Mitch and I shared just a tad of quality time, always with the wish for more…I will come back to that. To end our Detroit foray, we popped by the Canton IKEA and purchased a couple household items in preparation for Susanne’s move. We arrived home, tired but grateful.

Issues with Mom:
Yup, Mom was home alone for 2 nights. She seemed to be just fine. But how wrong was I…because the next night, oh around 11:00 PM or so, she had an accident with bodily functions that I have never seen in my life. She was mortified, I was mortified, and Mitch ran for the basement. After an hour of cleaning and throwing household items out, we all finally went to bed.

I knew on Wednesday morning, I was not feeling well. I knew it was going to be a tough day. As for Mom, she had no other issues…and seemed to be just fine. Ah, when you have learned passive aggressive from masters, you become a master yourself…and that is all I will say on that. Somehow I made it through my work day, but by the time I got home (7:00 PM), I was having muscle spasms all on the left side of my body and I could not breathe properly. I took some medication left over from the last time I had this problem…but it made no difference. So at 12:30 AM, Mitch took me to the new Metro Hospital Emergency room. Very nice by the way. My wait was about 40 minutes. Forthwith, I was examined, given a breathing treatment, had chest x-rays, got 2 painful shots in the ass, a new Abuterol ihaler, and scripts for steroids and Flexril…I have acute bronchitis with chest wall strain, stemming from my stress induced asthma…Lucky girl!

Okay, so I am thinking I will get to rest a bit on Thursday morning before I go in to work. Wrong! Turns out my library assistant did not show up to open the Library and it had to be me. Somehow or other on 4 hours sleep and muscle relaxants coursing through my body, I was able to get through another difficult day.

No rest for the wicked…Friday I was at an all day meeting and prepping for a conference I am presenting at this Friday. Saturday…was pretty mellow with a light workout, some housework and shopping with Mitch for a new living room set. I pre-shopped the evening before, quickly zeroing in on a 3 piece reclining set I knew the boy would like. Sure enough, we did not even bother going to another store. Our new furniture will arrive on next Tuesday (the 10th). Pictures to be posted later.

Moving Out…
Mom signed the lease to her new apartment on Friday (the 30th). Mitch and I took her and a small load of belongings over on Sunday to begin her acclimation and familiarization processes with her new home. We unpacked and put away lots of kitchen stuff and some linens.

This Week Brings So Far…
Tuesday, and I am still kind of “under water” due to the various drugs running through my system. I think I am feeling better, but by no means normal. Miraculously I got my Web course readings and project assignments completed earlier today, with flying colors. Has to be the drugs! Now, the only thing I have to focus on is preparation for the MILI Conference on Friday at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

After the conference I think it will be downhill sliding. Mom’s big move is Saturday. With help from Debbie, Dave and Mitch, I am praying it will all go smoothly.

And Moving On…
With all that I have been through in the past 6 months, I am finally taking some down time. I will officially take a “stay at home” vacation from June 10th – 15th. My plans include: Reclaiming my sanctuary and studio space, re-arranging our living room for the new furniture; Playtime: gym, shop, garden, create, bake, read, & nap etc. This is all in the quest to reclaim some peace and sanity for my body and soul. Wish me well.

+x*
Love & Peace

Mother's Day...

2008-05-12T14:24:00.006-05:00

Was actually quite nice. I did my best to show Susanne (my Mom) some love and appreciation. Hard to do because she is depressed again and interested in very little. Mitch and I prepared a super steak dinner Saturday night with the oh-so loved oven roasted sweet potato fries. I love dipping them in sour cream. Yum! And for a gift, we gave her a nice artist portfolio with inserts, so she can protect her work and make it portable. She seemed pleased.

Sunday started with a fancy French toast breakfast. Hands down! Sunday brunch is still Mitch’s favorite meal of the week. We look forward to it just being the two of us again at some point. But is was pleasant enough. Then Mitch and I headed on down to Richland to celebrate Mother’s Day and Mitch’s birthday (a few days early) with Debbie & Dave & Ebony. I helped Mom with the scenery for her annual daycare play. This year we sketched and painted a little red schoolhouse and playground. It reminded me of the "little red school house" in North Kingstown, RI. And up the road was a small neighborhood store that sold the best penny candy. Swedish fish, licorice whips, Tootsie Rolls, and Bit-o-Honey...Yum! My favorite scenery of the 4 years I have worked on this with her, is the pirate’s treasure map from last year. It had all the markings, huge ship, skull & cross bones, islands, a sea serpent, and a compass. Deb stained the fabric so it looked authentic on a larger than life scale.

Spoiled as ever for his birthday, Mitch was gifted a new Wii video game (virtual Jet skiing) and a new neoprene vest made by Bodyglove (for real jet skiing). He deserves every bit. We had BBQ ribs and Mom’s super tasty potato salad and baked beans for dinner. She also made Mitch this super crazy concoction called Crispy Crème Donut bread pudding. Mitch loved it. And so did my Mother and her notorious sweet tooth, because we brought the rest home. Despite it being a rainy cold day, it was nice to stay in, watch Indiana Jones for the 30th time, and relax.

+x*
Love & Peace

Catching Up @ KCAD & Cool Stuff

2008-05-12T11:49:00.039-05:00

Some Cool Stuff
May 9th, 08
It is funny the things that will make your day. On Friday I decided to take advantage of the freebie Carmel Marvel at the downtown Beaner’s. Oops, it is now called Biggby’s because of a potential lawsuit last year. Anywho, this meant taking a brisk stroll down to Monroe Center. So I am strolling, just minding my business, and walk myself right into the middle of a pack of Golden Glove contenders and their trainer. What ensued was a bold questioning from a tall, solid muscled, brash but young guy. “Girl! What is your ethnicity?!” Reply: “I am African American, White, and American Indian.” “I was wondering. Girl! You look good! Are you married?!” Reply “Um, yes. I am very lucky, and thank you.” I then changed the topic to purely boxing. Turns out the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions was/is in Grand Rapids this week. The semi finals are tonight and finals tomorrow. “Girl! I hope you can make it. I’d buy you some popcorn.” And with that, I strolled right on into the Beaner’s, err I mean Biggby’s with a big grin on my face, feeling kind of high. I could not help but think to myself, who is pushing 40 this year..."Girl! You still got something going on!"

Cool link of the week

Anyways, besides the weather being cool. It is/was a big week at Kendall. The Kendall Annual Student Exhibition opened on Tuesday night and we have the 2008 Graduation tomorrow (Sat). It is always bittersweet. Each year a few of my favorite Library users say goodbye and pop out of the Kendall bubble.

As always, I tour the exhibits and photograph the student work that really stands out tome. Kelly Allen (Grad student), Violet Whitaker (Drawing), Alison Simmons (Studio Excellence), Doug Wilkerson,Steve Rainey (Printmaking), Randall (Bearcat) Bauer (Grad student), Molly Pettengill (Grad student), Jamin Rollin(Grad student), Anne Hiddema (Studio Excellence), Nuel Friend (Grad student), Brian Cook (Valedictorian and Art Education Excellence),Patrick Schippers (Illustration),& Matt Gubancsik (Photography).

Still more coolstuff! Mitch and I are gearing up for the 2008 DEMF/Movement (Detroit Electronic Music Festival). 3 days of Electronic, Dance, Techno, and House music in Hart Plaza in Detroit over Memorial Day Weekend. The pic of me is from May 2005…note long hair.

Mitch performed at the 2000 or 2001 Festival. Since then it has changed management and promotion companies. Mitch took me in 2005 and then we skipped 2006 and 2007 because the line ups were distinctly Industrial in nature. However, this year we are gonna give it a shot again. Moby is the big headliner for Saturday night. For us it will be two days of dance dance dance til you drop. I already have my hip hop dance sneakers on order!

Love & Peace
+x*

And the Beat Goes On...

2008-04-24T15:23:00.021-05:00

I started my week with a happy sunny Monday. Donning my sexy new Via Spiga sandals and a pretty spring outfit. I was on time and ready to take on the challenges of the day and week… Of late, I have been making a concerted effort get out of the house earlier on weekday mornings. This for many reasons, including the “mama drama” that always crops up minutes, even mere seconds before I am about to step out the door!

But hey! No good deed goes unpunished! Within minutes of leaving the house, I immediately started off by twisting not one, but both of my ankles in my sexy new sandals. Just lovely! I raced back to the house. The sandals came off, a wrap went on my left foot, down went 4 ibuprofen, and I had to wear my dependable but slightly less stylish “nurse” slides...So much for being ahead of time to be on time!

On a healthier note, my stress induced asthma has subsided. I have been using the inhalers and taking an antihistamine. It seems to be working. I was able to get through a couple workouts this past weekend with little difficulty or discomfort. Lesson learned! Listen to your body!

While Monday got off to a bumpy start…The weekend proceeding it proved to be nice. Busy, but not in an overwhelming way. I did get a small bit of time to draw…and that was the biggest hurdle to jump…just getting started. The weekend also gave us two beautiful sunny days. While I did not work on the yard, I did take a few moments to enjoy the hyacinths that have popped up. Colorful and fragrant…a happy thing.

I made a big pot of chili…yummy goodness and tried a new chocolate mousse recipe. It turned out very thick, rich, and super yummy with sliced strawberries. I heart chocolate! Mitch and I finished out the day with the first disc of the 3rd season of Battlestar Galactica. Pretty good stuff!

I am excited about my Web design class which starts next Monday…hence the picture of my super cool new laptop, external hard drive (Seagate) and wireless mouse (whose model name…is Nano…like my girl kitty…) I am signed up with the International Webmasters Association, out of Cali. All the coursework is done online and I can earn certification for Web design and graphics and programming. Pretty cool! I am very fortunate to have a boss who is supportive of professional development and continued education. I will keep you posted on how the first class goes.

+x* Peace!

Did You Know...

2008-04-14T09:10:00.006-05:00

That at any time an adult can develop "Stress Induced Asthma? Well you learn something new everyday...

Unfortunately, I have been ignoring what apparently is an extreme amount of stress in my everyday life...Maybe ignore is not the right action word. Over a brief period of time, stressors in my life have decreased my stress tolerance to an unmanageable level. My body finally said enough. A call to the Doctor and two inhalers later...it is time to start watching and comprehending the sometimes screaming inner voice. This weekend brought about a different approach to what is usually my super busy, running around like a chicken, 101 household chores and errands and shopping etc. I SAID NO to the usual madness. I slowed down just enough to be aware how quickly things escalate in my supposed free time. No one person should ever have 101 things constantly riding on their back and mind. I even napped Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Oh so decadent!

Funny enough, I purchased a Nike heart rate monitor (Triax C6)last week, to re-tool my workouts and make sure I am not overworking. Because...wait for it...wait for it...one can also develop "Exercise Induced Asthma." Sure enough, once I programmed my new gadget, I quickly discovered that I workout too frequently in an anaerobic state and to often at my MAX heart rate.

So what is the lesson learned in all this...I need to take it down several notches in several places in my life.

On the Mom front: The weekend went pretty smooth...no cussing and carrying on or hateful thinking on my part...I would say this is due to a sudden & full awareness of my emotional and physical reactions. While I cannot say that stressful days will cease all together, I am taking control, to minimize. I am waiting to hear from an human services institution (Pine Rest), who I originally contacted when my mother moved here. Ultimately, we went with an organization called the "Gerontology Network." But is has become crystal clear, that her needs are not being met. I would like to move my mother's case and care to Pine Rest, as I believe they can better address the mental illness aspect of my mother's life. And also help me...

As always, it is and has to be one day at a time...

+x* Peace.

Thank God It's Friday...

2008-04-11T07:43:00.006-05:00

I am sure all over the blogosphere, today, people have posted under a similar title. We are all working so hard just to get a few minutes of respite and maybe some time to ourselves.

I would love to say I am feeling better today. In fact I was almost sorry for the previous post, when I realized it's okay. It's okay for me to feel such a range of emotions. And while at times I feel like I am just floating, keeping my head above the surface of my sadness, I am also feeling loved. Thank you Mom! Your short and sweet email, lifted my spirits this morning...and even though I have tears brimming at this moment...it is good. It is/was a release that I need(ed).

I cannot say what the weekend will bring for respite or peace...but I am going to try to seek it out. I have been promising myself for weeks now, to "get back in studio." The catch all phrase for setting aside creative time whether it be for fine art or knitting or jewelry. I guess I just need to learn to ignore all the never-ending chores & housework...which can be hard...to just walk past...without feeling the compulsion...to do something about it...*sigh* Then again, there is always the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a super busy, productive weekend. My mother told me last weekend, that I reminded her of her father...who by the way was anal retentive and always super busy. Hey, Thanks Mom! For that wonderful comparison and oh so cheerful thought! He had quadruple bypass heart surgery when I was in my late teens. I wonder why?! Perhaps, I should just give it a rest this weekend?!?

I miss my husband! We have a date tonight! I am happy for this!

Okay, time to get working.
+x* Peace

Me and the Blog and MySpace...Venting & Connectivity

2008-04-09T08:12:00.028-05:00

Welcome to April...I never thought to myself, when I put up this blog that it may become a place to journal. I thought of it as a place to put happy-go -lucky news and lots of pictures, to share with family Web and tech savvy enough to access it. But today I am feeling...something a bit more...oh I don't know. Perhaps challenged and mixed up all over.2

As many know, my Mother moved in with me about 2 months ago, and I cannot tell you how mixed up and messed up I have been ever since. Suffice it to say I have been pissed off and none to happy with the situation. Everyone has said to me, "Oh you are such a good daughter!" and " You are doing the right thing." But I feel like shit most days now. I just got married, and mere months later, in moves Mom. Honeymoon...yeah right! My poor husband, has become more of a roommate and we are often ships in the day and night...just kind of passing by...Oh yeah, and that romance thing...Not happening folks. I am a house mother, caring for Mother, Boy, and Cats...I am strained, stressed, and very unhappy.

I blew a gasket in full this past Sunday and had it out with Mother, and thought to myself when all was said and done, that we were going to move forward and let the proverbial healing begin. Yeah right! Same shit different day. IT NEVER ENDS...the drama that is. And it is not just with me. She is driving M up the wall too. Asking the same questions over and over. And demanding this that and the other...Now this being said, she does have some mental illness. However, she must take some responsibility. I have asked her nicely and not so nicely to give it a rest, take it down a notch, give me and M some space...she says "Okay, I'm sorry..." and then within a couple hours she is right back at it again. Oh My God! ARRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!

Welcome to my Blog of self therapy...cause folks, I have no personal time left to take off and therefore no time to see a therapist.

On another note...I have caved in and put up the oh-so-essential MySpace and Facebook pages. Actually they are quite fun. And as an old friend said the lines of connectivity run deep. Bytheby the old friend was from high school and I have not spoken to him in 20+ years. So there are some wonderful things that can happen with MySpace and Facebook. Those pages have been up a whopping 2 whole days and I have found people and people have found me...with such ease. I wonder in this time, of technology overload and wonder...why it is we are now all feeling this need to connect and vent and reconnect? Times are so hard and heavy...2008 had proven to be the year of changes. I have said it before. I see it more and more.

Well, perhaps this Blog will see happier days as Spring settles in...but for now I honor my unhappy state and honor that I am feeling a full spectrum of happy and sad and anger...How else could I truly appreciate when things are at peace and I am too.

+x*
positivity, patience, and quiet persistence.
-E

LOL...It's March

2008-03-03T10:09:00.007-05:00

Right, are you kidding me?! It's already March! But, this is what we call "life getting in the way!"

Welcome to my new life: New husband, two cats, and my mother under one roof. Hah!

In my book and for many of my friends and acquaintances, 2008 is the year of life changes. Babies being born, break ups and make ups, house buying and selling, losing jobs, getting new jobs, big cross country moves...and the chance to make a historical selection in the 2008 election for the U.S. President. "Yes We Can!"

More immediate in my world, is my mom making a permanent move to Michigan. Right now she is living with Mitch and I (so much for newlywed-om), until we can get her sorted out and find the right living situation for her. While uncomfortable, I know I am doing the right thing and the best thing for my mom. But it is not easy managing my life, Mitch's affairs, and my mother on top of it all. So, the rule of thumb is to take it one day at a time. Mitch has been wonderful and patient and a solid source of support. However, this new living situation puts a damper on just about everything. No honeymoon in May as originally planned. *sigh* We will get away eventually.

On the upside, Mitch started his new job at Blue Water Technologies the second week of February...He was able to leave the poisonous environment of GVSU. With a clean slate, he gets the opportunity to grow in his career, get training, and do the work he really enjoys. He is off to Chicago this week to get training at Crestron. I am very proud of him.

What's happening with KCAD?
Busy week ahead. Kendall and the GR area are privileged to hear artist/painter Ghada Amer speak at the Civic Theatre on Tuesday March 4th. Of course, we are proud to have scooped MSU who will have Ghada speak in April. Nah nah nah naaah nah! Here is a link to an open article published Feb 21, 08 in the New York Sun and a link to her current exhibition (Feb 16th - October 19th, 2008) at the Brooklyn Museum entitled Ghada Amer: Love Has No End.

To end the week, Bodies of Art (III) will be staged at St. Cecelia's in Grand Rapids. Friday March 7th @ 7:00 P.M. BOA is the annual Kendall Fashion show. Students from across many KCAD disciplines are collaborating to pull together a show to feature clothing, accessories, and jewelry designed by KCAD students. This years theme is dedicated to amusing quirks, peculiarities, and oddities of the English language. Onomatopoeias, puns, and wordplay. Come out and see how the students that work with the right side of their brain work it on the runway. With "happenings," art & fashion for sale, and live music acts providing a musical back drop, the evening and event should prove to be exciting. Advance tickets $10 Students/$15 General/$20 Door. So come check it out if you are local!

Happy New Year! Holidays Part Deux and OMG it’s Already February!!!

2008-01-29T16:40:00.004-05:00

Christmas, done and over in the blink of an eye. Welcome to 2008, henceforth the year that will be known as "the year of change." Change for everyone in and around my rotating world it appears. I begin this post on the first day of the Spring semester at Kendall. WooHoo!

Holiday Fun with the Kitties

To recap the holidays. Christmas day was spent with Mom and Dave and Ebony. We did have a white Christmas - which also refers to my new favorite holiday movie. We had a big breakfast, opened stockings and gifts. Lots of oohs and aahs. Watched Miracle on 34^th Street, my second favorite holiday movie (coming in behind A Christmas Carol).

We all participated in designing, baking, building, and decorating a gingerbread castle. See final construction below. Not too shabby.

Mom went all out on dinner with roasted cherry glazed duckling and plum pudding. By the by, Strider was entranced and in love with Mitch as he ate left over duck the next day for lunch.

We finally made our way home around 8:30 Christmas night. Where upon Mitch began his full on obsession or addiction to Lego Star Wars for the Wii…He is a “True Jedi!”

In between Christmas and New Years, we took a mini-moon to Arcadia, MI, just a tad north of Onekema alongside Lake Michigan. We stayed in the Arcadia House and indulged ourselves with outstanding massages provided by Patrice. And I got a really nice pedicure the second day. We had dinner at a local bistro called the Blue Slipper and played Battleship…while outside another winter storm kicked into gear. We even took a chance and played outside in the outdoor hot tub with the snow falling on our heads.

New Year’s eve was spent with good friends, tasty treats and libations, and playing some fun games. Then it was off to Florida for me, to visit Grandma, Mom, and Aunt Judy for a few days, and to finalize Mom’s move to Michigan in February. As I mentioned before…change is afoot for just about everyone around me. So do wish us the best, as my Mom moves in with us for a bit. Suddenly it was Jan 8^th and I was back at work…only to end up out the next day with some weird pinched nerve problem and excruciating pain on the left side of my neck and chest. Aaaah, the joys of sinus infections, delayed winter air travel, canned germy air, and lots of other sick people surrounding you. Is it any wonder why I went down for the count?!

While I have recovered and it is now Jan 14^th. Life seems to be getting back on an even keel and I was happy to get back to work today. My weekend: Saturday was spent shopping at the IKEA for lots of stuff to organize and reorganize our tiny house with my bud Sarah. Sun: Mitch helped me put together all the organizing stuff and I began reorganizing our tiny house in preparation for my Mom. I pretty much got my bedroom done…and still have 101 things left to do. *sigh* At least I got a good running start on the tough stuff.

And now here it is almost February and I never got this post up on the blog. ARGH!

1 ½ weeks til Mom arrives. Mitch and I have whipped the house in good order with a few more tweeks before she arrives. I am kind of jealous that her bedroom is larger than either Mitch’s or mine…LOL We hope she will be comfortable at such an anxious and exciting time. Anyways, I better close this post and get it up on the blog. Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays - December 07

2007-12-20T10:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays from the Brown-Walcott household.

Long time, no Blog…I know pretty bad. I think I have averaged 1 post per month since the wedding. But it is funny how life took back over after “all things wedding.” All in all, our 8 weeks of married life has been very nice. Yes, there has been some stress, and some would say I am not my usual “happy go lucky self,” but somehow I keep smiling. And this too shall pass.

Susan & Bruce's lovely Christmas tree

The holidays descended with lightning speed and here it is 5 days from Christmas. With just a few days to go all the hurried holiday stuff: shopping, wrapping, and mailing is done. So what is left should be easy going and fun. I also get to stay home with my newly minted husband for our first Christmas together this year. I will make my annual holiday trek to Florida the first week in January instead. I am so excited cause I get to hel

p build and decorate the annual gingerbread house this year and spend the day with Mitch's Mom, Debbie and Dave.

I already gave Mitch his big present, a Nintendo Wii…The backstory on that is there is still a super shortage for the game consoles, and I knew if I did not try to get one before Thanksgiving, I would not be able to get one. For the three weeks leading up to Thanksgiving I was on a "Wii Hunt"and not having much success. Luckily, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Circuit City had the Wii on sale in their circular. So, I took myself to the store at 7:30 in the morning and waited 2 ½ hours hoping to get one. I was not alone! It was actually a bit fun to hang out and chat with complete strangers. There were just 3 of us waiting at 7:30. But by 10:00AM, when the store was to open, there were 45 people in line. The

store manager came out at 9:20AM and announced that there were only 10 Wii available and that he knew who had been waiting since 7:30AM. So yippee, I was guaranteed to get one. I called Mitch to let him know. Being the sweetie he is, he brought me some hot chocolate and kept me company until the store opened. We also got a few games and an extra Wiimote. He has since become a boxing pro. My favorite game is Elebits. The best thing about the Wii is that you often have to get up and move around to play the games. So you actually get some exercise. It is alot of fun!

Grandma Walcott modeling her new super soft bathrobe.

Mitch and Uncle Bruce

Aunt Jane

We had the annual Walcott Family Christmas on Sunday the 16th. We had a very nice ham dinner and I hear my chocolate Sambuca cookies were a hit. We did our gift exchange and it was a great pleasure to present everyone with framed wedding photos. Dad showed our wedding video, which was the first time Mitch and I got to see it. I cried a little in memory. It was such a happy time. Speaking of presents, “Big Santa,” this would be w hat I call Dad, gifted we spoiled rotten children with the means to get some special things. Mitch ordered a super cool new Murray snow blower to play in the snow.

My New Super Cool Kitchen Toy

And me…big grin here. I got a super cool Artisan Kitchen Aid Mixer in metallic chrome. In fact, I heart Amazon for their great sales and super fast FREE shipping. I ordered the mixer on Monday, it arrived on Tuesday, and I made chocolate chip cookies last night. Thank you Big Santa!

Aunt Jane, Aunt Sue, Dad, Uncle Bruce & Mitch

Ron & Grandma

Dad's bookmark says "Incomptency runs rampant!" This was part of his gift from Uncle Bruce.

Elise and her Bow!

Sue holding a framed photo of her and Dad from our wedding

Mitch & Elise

Strider & Nano

Wish for all of Our Family and Friends
A Wonderful Holiday Season.

Happy Happy New Year! Lots of Love!
We promise lots more of Life with Cats in 2008.

On the Other Side of the Big Day

2007-11-08T10:59:00.000-05:00

WE DID IT! All done in the blink of an eye. Hard to imagine how quickly the time flew by after more than 1 1/2 years of serious wedding research and planning. Ack! To throw away my wedding binder! Separation anxiety! But now we get to move on from "all things wedding" and plan all kinds of fun stuff for the future. Like the Holidays. Ack! The Christmas stuff is already up in full force.

For your viewing pleasure a few wedding photos from family and friends. The professional shots will not be available for a couple more weeks. And sometime in the near future, we will put together a full recap of our wedding week in New Mexico.

And Away We Go!...

2007-10-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

Well here we are, just a few days away from the Big Day...and seriously where did the time go. Being busy with "all things wedding," our poor blog has been seriously neglected. Suffice to say, I was a super busy bride-to-be with lots of DIY projects...yet I was able to get just about everything checked off on my long list. And we, Mitch and I, are ready. More than ready to move on over to the other side of all things wedding. In fact we depart this afternoon to Detroit, MI. Where we will spend a luxurious night at the airport HoJo. We plan to settle in with some take out and watch the next round of Dancing With the Stars. Love it! Love it! Then in the early morning we fly out to Albuquerque by way of Denver. Let the fun commence.

As always we give lots of love to everyone who has been supportive through this thing we called "engagement." We promise to take lots of pictures and we will have lots of tales to share.

Hugs & Kisses OXOXOXO

Oy Vay! Where Did Summer Go!

2007-08-28T07:51:00.000-05:00

Um....yeah...have not posted in forever and a day. Sorry for this...somehow the Summer moved along at a quick pace and we lost track. We so completely lost track of time that both of our schools started the fall semester yesterday...LOL So let me offer a summary of the summer for review. Lots of time on the lake with Mom and Dave. Fun times were had on the jet ski Dave got and we were spoiled rotten. Yes, that is Ebony cruising along with Dave. Mom told me they bought her her own doggie life jacket. LOL. We also cooked out a few times and had killer kabobs the last time we visited.

I also took a week to visit the maternal side of my family; Mom, Grandma, and Aunt Judy in Tampa, Florida. It was a quiet and easy time. We visited the Ringling Museum of Art, and the Circus Museum which had cool circus memorabilia and circus miniatures. While I have a fear of clowns in film, I love the concept of costuming and clowning...maybe this will be this years Hallow's Eve costume. On another day, Mom, Judy, Judy's sweetie, and I went out cruising in their new boat in and out of Tampa Bay. I got to inline skate just about everyday and read the final Harry Potter book from cover to cover...perfect summer vacation reading.

It has rained quite a bit these past weeks, so surprisingly our back yard is quite green, allbeit there are more weeds than couture grass...but it is green. We think this is good as we are having our 3rd Annual Bumpin' Backyard BBQ + Birthday (Elise's 39th) + Pre-Wedding Bash in a couple weeks. Since our wedding is about 8 weeks away, and we are not doing the traditional bridal shower, "hen" or "stag" parties( bachelor and bachelorette for non-Anglicans. Mitch and I fancy ourselves to be Brits!), we decided an all-in-one bash would be fun.

On the work front, I rolled out the new KCAD Library Websit e and it is getting rave reviews...so now I am tweeking things to improve usability. It has been a fun project...and truth be told I am also pleased that the students and faculty are back in full force. Kendall is completely different when in session; frenetic, energetic and fun.

The wedding countdown is officially on. 57 days til the "Big Day!" As you can see I am so ready with my official blinged out "bride" tee. Stay tuned...

Summer Fun Continues...

2007-07-16T09:31:00.000-05:00

We had an unexpected treat this past weekend...Dancing with the Stars. Our friends John and Sherrill won a dance studio competition on Thursday evening. Their prize was a table for 4 at the Dancing with the Stars show on Saturday night, and to dance in the finals in between one of the sets that night.They invited us along to be part of their cheering section. Very cool! So Mitch and I put on some finery and went to give John and Sherrill lots of support. While they did not win, they sure did great!!! We think they should have won!!! Check out the pics below.

It also proved to be a lazy weekend for Nan and Strider. As you can see they enjoyed their "Sunday in a Basket..."

Fun in the Summer Sun...

2007-07-10T15:39:00.000-05:00

Aaaah, lazy summer days. See Mitch mastering the art of relaxation. Hope y'all had a nice 4th of July. We spent our day down by the lake with the folks and good friends. Mitch and I finally met Riley, the latest addition to the Bosher family. And Mom got an honest to goodness mini keg of root beer...and made homemade vanilla ice cream...a new 4th of July tradition. Then we all took turns riding on the latest water toy...a jet ski. It is as close as I will ever get to a motorcycle and boy is it lots of fun to ride. I have a serious need for speed or as our friend Steven likes to say...we are in for "high octane relaxation" on Gull Lake.

Visit our Website...

2007-07-03T11:06:00.001-05:00

Hope y'all are having a great summer. The picture to the left is of lilies in our side yard. These just popped up and totally surprised me. I had them in pots last year and forgot that I had planted them in ground in the late fall. They were easily 5 times the size than last year, and just beautiful

Although our Website is now live, we have decided to keep the blog as well. It is an easy place to chat about our everyday homebody stuff and post a new picture or two. So check back periodically for short and sweet entries.

Happy Birthday to Dave! & Happy 4th of July! We will be heading down to Mitch's folks' place on Gull Lake to cookout and play in the water (weather pending). Dave got his hands on an old jet ski and has tinkered the thing into a fun toy. I rode it for the first time when we visited in late June. Lots of fun!

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-21T09:49:00.000-05:00

We got to celebrate Ebony's birthday, Mitch's birthday, and Mother's Day the weekend of the May 12th. We drove down to Richland for the day. After a nice lunch out at a local golf club, we headed home to open gifts. Ebony loved her new monkey tug-o-war toy and Mitch was very happy with his birthday booty.

After some tasty ice cream cake, Mitch lay down for his usual afternoon nap. Debbie and I set up to reupholster our pub table bench pads. Mitch and I found this awesome embossed grey velvet. Almost the same shade as Nan and perfect for hiding kitty hair...LOL They came out wonderful. As you see, Mitch and Nan were also pleased with the results. And to end this post the latest "kitties in the window" photo. Happy Spring!

New Website Coming...

2007-05-11T13:47:00.000-05:00

Great news for our family and friends!

Mitch and I had a productive "Wedding Zone" meeting last night. While we love our blog, we thought it savvy to get our creative and collaborative butts into gear to design, build, and publish our own Website. Mitch has been phenomenal at this for years. I on the other hand, took my site down when I completed grad school back in 2004, and have not put together a personal site since.

Over a tasty meal at Panera Bread we resolved to get a site up and running by July. And to my great delight Mitch completely ran with it, and by 2:00 PM today our URL is live. Until we get the site built and published there is an image in place.

So be sure to add this link to your bookmarks: http://eliseandmitch.com

The main content of the site will be all things Wedding 2007-2008. We hope to have fun putting it together and hope y'all will truly enjoy our collaborative work. Lots of Love!

Oh and I came across the funny pictures of Strider while cleaning up some files today. Our gay baby loved that sequined shirt...LOL Enjoy

Much Ado About Home and School...

2007-05-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

Ummm. Let me start with an apology for a serious lack of posting in the past month. Busy life has a funny way of getting in the way. All in all though things have been pretty quiet and we have been wedding zone free for the past month or so.

Although we did buy some excellent card stock and envelopes to make invitations for the wedding weekend and cocktail party from the Paper Source (a great online store for all things invitation). Other wedding stuff, we purchased 2 bolts of Moneice satin in midnight blue to make table coverings. While the party is a little under a year away, this was a great deal, because Hancock Fabrics is going out of business. The fabric was 60% off. WooHoo!

Other stuff: Two weeks ago, we painted the kitchen and dining room ceiling,and painted the walls in a bright sky blue color. It was time for a spring spruce up and we really wanted to brighten those spaces in the house. It is a happy thing to have such pretty light colored walls. While Nan was not too pleased with the activities, Strider had a blast with the plastic laid out on the floor. He is after all our plastic bag baby. We had to keep after him, because he would crawl and play under the plastic sheeting.

This weekend we are going to reupholster the bench pads for the pub table benches. Again with fabric found at Hancock. We picked out this great thick velvet with a cool embossed pattern in a dark blue grey. Something to hide the cat hair (ironically almost the same color as Nan). Note: very pretty green handbag for Spring. The "bootaholic" has another weakness...Italian leather handbags...This one is from Francesco Biasia. Ciao Bella! Love it!

In our yard, the tulips are finally in full bloom. Took a while for them to come around after our freak snow storm back in April. Gives me hope that I might be developing a green thumb. Also enjoying the flowers in our yard is the neighbor cat Kooka (who drives Nan kooky) and a fat ass squirrel who took time out to chatter at Nan and eat a piece of bread.

While Mitch took a week of vacation to hang out and relax, I had a super busy week with all thing Kendall. The Class of 2007 walked on Saturday the fifth, to much pomp & circumstance (ha ha ha).

Here I am with my good work buddy Sarah at the Studio Excellence Awards Dinner.

There was some really great work on exhibit for the annual Student Exhibition. Among my favorites were painter Brian Brown (on his way to Carnegie Mellon to work on his MFA), and Sarah Weber (who earned her MFA and with whom I share an interest in fashion and womens' images and body issues).

Mitch's favorite work was that of Jamin Rollin (MFA student). Her pieces are these awesome worked metal plates (annealed and glazed) filled with alchemy themes and symbols. Very cool stuff.

And finally, a post is not complete without the pictures of Strider's latest gay moment and "kitties in the window" Strider had an instant love with my Shelli Segal flats. And promptly gave me his precious milk ring. Can you not see the love in his eyes for my glittery sequined beaded shoes, his favorite fetch toy, and for mommy taking his picture? I love our life with cats.

Fine Folk Art From Oaxaca, Mexico

2007-04-03T09:13:00.000-05:00

The students, faculty, and staff at Kendall experienced a really cool cultural exchange last week.

We were visited by Zapotec artists Jacobo and Maria Angeles from Oaxaca, Mexico. They live in the village of Tilcajete along with their extended family, who also participate in the creation of these fine art works.

Their imaginative art form is known as Alebrije carving, featuring wood sculptures carved out of the copal tree. This wood can be sanded to a fine finish allowing for porcelain smooth painting surfaces.

The sculptures take on the forms of surreal animals, such as coyote, armadillo, birds, cats, dogs, bulls, boars, reptiles...Jacobo lets the natural shapes and forms of the pieces guide his imagination and his carvings.

Maria, using diverse ingredients, such as tree bark, honey, lime juice, and insect larvae, along with other natural pigments paints the sculptures. Larger pieces will take upwards of 3 weeks to paint. The painting style is characterized by fine detailed and repetitive patterns in sometimes psychedelic color combinations. Maria's work features both exquisite muted palettes and super bright fanciful combinations of colors.

Jacobo and Maria Angeles art works will be on exhibit in the Kendall Gallery until April 20th.

The "Bootaholic" Strikes Again...

2007-03-30T11:18:00.000-05:00

What is a "bootaholic?" you may ask. Some women lust after various designer high heels. No, not for me! I lust after boots. With one exception, this sexy pair of Coach heels.

They are purple snakeskin embossed leather detailed with three petal flowers and crystal centers. Oh Lordy! These are the heels I am going to wear for our wedding cocktail party next spring. Now all I have to do is find the perfect purple dress to match. LOL...

Now, I do have collecting rules. First, the boot absolutely must make me say "Hello Lover!" This being a quote of Carrie from Sex in the City (A show that most certainly expounded the joys of designer shoe lust)

Second, I have to be able to walk in them. Some women are fully happy to enshrine their precious babies, never allowing the soles to touch pavement. I say why bother?! I want to wear them and show them off.

Third, they must be an unusual style and design.

And finally, I never ever pay full price. I am after all a "bootaholic on a budget."

Hee Hee :) For your viewing pleasure, here are this season's top cool acquisitions

On the left: Ralph Lauren, Laredo, Michael Kors, and Kenneth Cole. On the right Nine West, Kenzie, and Sancho. Aaah, the joys of discounted designer finds.

Life With Cats...

2007-03-28T14:38:00.000-05:00

For your viewing pleasure more life with cats...
Endless lounging, window sitting, cat napping, and fascination with running bathroom faucets. What more could one want in life, aside from yummy wet canned cat food, and having one's poo scooped away every other day. Life is good.

We have decided that Strider is our happy & gay baby. Seen with a pink boa (part of a former Halloween costume that he dug out of some box in the basement). Strider has also been known to open the second drawer of my bedroom bureau, toss out undies, and curl up to sleep in my brassieres. Hmmm, perhaps he is a drag kitty... ;)

Green Things Are Popping Up!

2007-03-26T09:51:00.000-05:00

Spring...yippee! Green things are popping up all over our yard. Crocus, Hyacinths, Tulips, and the beginnings of Daylillies.

It was really beautiful yesterday, so I opened the windows for Strider and Nano. They made for good company while I worked in my studio on some jewelry. More quiet days in the Brown-Walcott house. Lots of decrappifying and donating to the S.A. I love that feeling of cleaning and clearing out. Makes room for all the new crap...LOL With only 5 weeks left in the semester, the Kendall students will be prepping for the last mad dash to the end. I always find this time interesting and fun. Hope spring things are popping up in your yard too. :)

The New Car

2007-03-14T16:55:00.000-05:00

Here is the new Subaru. I am very happy with it. Although I did not want a new car payment, it is nice to know that this will be a safe vehicle.

The engine will probably never look this clean again, but I guess that is what cameras are for.

Quiet Days...Well I Spoke Too Soon

2007-03-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Yup, not much goings on in the Brown-Walcott house. Kind of quiet after a flurry of travel and extra work responsibilities...its downright slow right now. Mitch had a few days under the weather as well, but is feeling better now. We went to the movies yesterday and saw The 300 on the digital screen. Apparently it did much better than predicted at the box office. Eh...thin plot...unsympathetic characters..."been there done that music" (think Gladiator), but really great cinematography and visual effects. For me the movies have been stagnant lately. The last thing I saw that moved me was Pan's Labyrinth. The lullaby melody of the soundtrack is just so sweet and sad that it can bring tears to your eyes. If you get a chance take a peek at Guillermo Del Toro's sketchbook (under "Interact").

So, I started this post yesterday and to my chagrin, things are not so quiet now. Mitch's well worn Saturn hit the skids and its engine was pronounced pretty much dead. Oh joy, oh happiness! We get to finance for a new car...and pay for a wedding this year :( I pretty much have to admit that this is my fault...coz I opened my mouth on Friday and made some stupid comment about it being an old car on its last legs...yuppers...and look what happened LOL...
At the very least Mitch might be able to get the car he really likes...a Subaru Impreza Outback Sport...I am a little jealous. Anywho, will keep you posted on the newest car development and maybe have some pics for next time.

The Fashion Parade...and Ring

2007-02-26T11:16:00.000-05:00

One snowy but sunny Saturday in February, I took a select committee of 3 (Debbie, Theresa, and Vera) to the Bridal Gallery in Grand Rapids (5 minutes from our house) where on a previous occasion I visited in "stealth bridal mode" to find "the Dress." Which I did on that first visit, but it was important for me to go back with fresh eyes and opinions.

Here follows a gallery of dresses the committee picked out for me to try on. You will see a trend of simple and informal. Also, my committee of (3) had expanded to a committee of (23)...LOL There were (4) other brides trying on dresses at the same time. And everyone had an opinion or comment to add. It was actually quite fun.

Dress (2) (above) was an Alfred Angelo in cream with pink bands. The dress laced up in the back with pink ties. Very pretty. Debbie (mom in law) loved this dress.

Let's not even talk about the "brown nightmare." I think they wanted to see the cut of the dress, which could have been ordered in white. Yuck!

Dress (3) (on right) was pretty too. A simple strapless matte satin a-line in cream.

Dress (4) (on left) was lots of fun. Short and strapless with beading and lace on the skirt. I felt like singing "...these boots were made for walking." Except some dippy, would be blonde actress, ruined that song not only for that spectacularly awful remake of the Dukes of Hazard, but also in commercials for those popper things made by a big box pizza chain.

Speaking of boots, they were definitely a hit at the salon. Everytime I came out with a new dress on, I was summarily asked to lift my skirts and show the boots. This was key, because if the boots did not go with the dress, the dress was out! :P

I saved the dress I liked best for last and the committee was swayed. "The Dress" turned out to be a different design than I originally posted about. It is a Mori Lee Voyage dress, but looks nothing like the design on her site. There in lies the lesson to be learned. Always go see the dress in person and try it on, because it could go either way. So here is the dress I thought I had (on right). Same but different...It is very girly and pretty. Also, once it is altered and color accents are added it will most certainly be different. Sorry, no pictures of the actual dress on me, cause I want to surprise the Blonde Boy. I can share those fun snaps after the wedding.

Okay, last thing of note. I have my wedding band. Mitch expressed a desire to exchange rings. My concern was that Mitch gave me such a beautiful and unique engagement ring, that it would be hard to find something already made to match. Or it would be very costly to have something made. However, I got to thinking that a plain platinum or white gold band would be something I could wear when I am not wearing the beautiful engagement ring. Mitch agreed.

Being the eBay junky I am, I was able to find a very nice band quickly. I bid on it, won it, and saved us a pretty penny :) The ring is a simple, solid, heavy-weighted 2MM platinum band. (Note, the adjective "simple" will oft be repeated in these posts.)

Well, that's all for now from the "wedding zone," with lots more to come. :)

Oh yeah! The Bargain Shopaholic strikes again!!! (Be sure to ask me about the very chic matching Diane von Furstenberg luggage, in teal blue I just put on layaway...cause every bride should have new matching luggage for their wedding trip...woohoo!) Later gator...

For Your Viewing Pleasure, More NYC

2007-02-22T10:46:00.000-05:00

It has only been in the past day that I finally feel recovered from my NYC sensory overload. While a great place, with lots to do...in fact way too much to do, I was quite happy to return to the somewhat slower paced"little big city" known as Grand Rapids, the Blonde Boy, and Kitties.

The night time shots you see here, were from my Friday night date. Yes, I took myself out on a date to see Chicago on Broadway.

It is the 10 year anniversary of the revival that originally starred Bebe Neuwirth and Ann Reinking. And to my surprise, Bebe was back! Playing Roxie Hart this time around. For me Broadway is all about the singing and dancing of a musical and I had longed to see this musical way back in 1997 when it first opened. As far as I am concerned it was just as good as seeing it opening night.

My Saturday in NYC was filled with a day long exploration with my friend Kati, her sweetie Erich in the lower east side (Losada). We had brunch at Cafe Mogador. I got to look down on Ground Zero (now controversial site to the future Freedom Tower). We also walked around DUMBO (Down Under the Brooklyn Manhattan Overpass), and purchased some lovely gourmet chocolate from Jacques Torres. To complete my day long visit Kati made a very tasty pasta dinner, and I hopped the subway back into Manhattan. It was a fascinating and fun day. That night was the best night of sleep I had in NYC.

Sunday was my last day in NYC. First I got some intellectual and art culture with time spent at the MOMA. The usual suspects were on display: Rothko, Monet, Dali, Picasso, and Van Gogh. I really dig the work of Leger and of course I had to get a shot of my favourite Campbell's soup as done by Warhol. Overall thought, I was underwhelmed by the MOMA, and partially wished I had toodled over to the MET. Ah, next time around.

Then I got my fashion fix on by walking down 5th Avenue. My favourite windows were for Dolce and Gabanna. Even the Home "Despot" for the home desperate had cool display windows.

In my subway travels downtown to the Village, I stumbled upon the famed iconic Flatiron building, photographed by Stieglitz and Steichen and many other artists. Pretty cool, despite all of the retail shops in the bottom.

My final stop was to the famous Carnegie's Deli for a corned beef sandwich and piece of strawberry cheesecake as sustenance for my travel home. I caught a taxi at 4:00 PM and said goodbye to crazy busy crowded yet somehow cool New York around 6:45 PM. Boy was I happy to let my head hit my own pillow that night.

The check is in the mail...

2007-02-21T16:23:00.000-05:00

What for, you may ask. Well, the good news is we got approved to use the space in Aztec by the Parks Department. Thus, we now know for sure that we can indeed have our wedding in our ideal location.

Thanks to Jen at my bank for getting me all set today with the money order. (She said she was going to check our site after work tonight.)

I realized after talking with my banker how lucky I am to have Elise. Though I am not as romantic as I could be, there are certain times when it just hits me as to how awesome and truly wonderful she is. I am so glad she is back safe from her trip to New York.

-Mitch

The Spectacle Known as Times Square

2007-02-15T19:22:00.000-05:00

After many delays and lots of waiting and an hour long shuttle ride from La Guardia, I finally made it to my destination at 11:20 PM last night. What a joy to be checked into such a chi chi room. I think Mitch would appreciate the way huge flat screen tv...though not high def. I promptly unpacked and washed my face. While somewhat tired, I was hungry. My Quiznos sandwich did not go over well on my plane trip. I was pretty miserable. So I put on my coat and strolled out into a cold snowy night. And four minutes later found myself in the spectacle known as Times Square. Kind of cool in a tacky touristy way...

Ok, I confess it...I did catch myself saying "Ooooooo." Then I walked into a deli and purchased my first NY meal...an $18 chef's salad with blue cheese dressing, a piece of cheesecake, and a bottle of diet pop...Happy Valentine's! I finally fell asleep around 1:30 AM.

Today I visited the libraries at Parsons (of The New School). Quite a cool and lively area with lots of art and design students moving with purpose in all directions. Not dissimilar to Kendall at all. One factoid that slipped my mind, is that Bravo's Project Runway is filmed right there at Parsons (and word has it that the ebullient Tim Gunn will soon step down as Chair of the Fashion Design Department). Also kind of cool! So after a day of meeting some cool librarians I hit the local a local Whole Foods Market and hopped my first subway train ride back to my hotel.

Then after a brief respite, I toodled back over to the "spectacle" and took some pics of the
Broadway lights. Tomorrow brings a subway trip to Pratt in Brooklyn. More pics tomorrow. I am heading out now to meet my friend Kati for some live music.

Stuck in Grand Rapids...and Life with Cats

2007-02-14T13:35:00.000-05:00

Oh Joy. Oh Happiness. Mitch was wonderful and dropped me off at 6:00 AM for my NYC trip. So I took my time, drank a nice caramel latte and read my trashy novel. I had lots of time to spare before going through security to my then direct flight to NYC La Guardia Airport. I got through security very quickly and went to my gate. Where I had to wait and wait and wait...only to find out our plane had some kind of mechanical problem and our flight was cancelled...The oh so cheerful gate attendant then announced "...And yes, if you think you are flying out today to NYC...Good Luck...Hah Hah Hah!" Yes, the day I choose to travel, New York decides to have a blizzard of its own...LOL

Well, that oh so nice attendant was kind of right. I was summarily re-booked on a flight for 3:25 PM and now I do not get into NYC until 9:00 PM tonight! What a long frickin' day :(

And now for some levity...Strider, my "container baby," decided to help me pack a few nights ago for my NYC trip. Last year I discovered the joy of "space bags." These wonderful oversize travel zip lock bags, which you put your clothes in, and roll out all the air...which kind of makes your clothing looks freeze dried...However it saves you a ton of space in your suitcase. The downside is that after a few trips, they are not as effective in holding their seal...so I discarded a couple bags that no longer worked and Strider, decided that these were definitely of interest. Of course his sister Nano also had to join in...hence the following pictures.

Now mind you for Strider, any old bag will do, including a plastic TJ Maxx bag...if only we were all so easily entertained...aaah this joy is what we call "life with cats."

Playing Catch Up...

2007-02-13T13:50:00.000-05:00

It has been crazy busy lately! I am off to New York City tomorrow for the annual College Art Association Conference. WooHoo! I will be visiting the Pratt (in Brooklyn) and The New School Libraries (Parsons in Manhattan). It is a great opportunity for me to meet some art library colleagues, and find out how similar/dissimilar our jobs our. For me this will be invaluable, as I am an art librarian of one and do not get the daily feedback and interaction I would at a larger library. This is crucial for a young professional. I am very fortunate to have a supervisor who is also a great professional mentor and provides strong support for continuing professional development.

I work with some very talented artist/students at KCAD, as you can see. This portrait of me, was painted in early 2006 by Alina Poroshina, an MFA student at Kendall. I thought it a nice image to include in this entry. I want to be the best resource I can for the students I work with, hence participating with the Michigan Library Association and attending conferences like LOEX and CAA. Don't get me wrong though...A lot of fun can be had too! ;) NYC is full of wonderful pleasure...like the MET, the Whitney, and the MOMA...I hope to visit these museums and brush up on some culture...and maybe, if I am very lucky...and very good, I might be able to swing a ticket for Wicked or Avenue Q, or the Lion King...I promise lots of details and pictures when I get back next week. Wish me safe travels.

West Michigan Blizzard 07...

2007-02-04T11:30:00.000-05:00

Mitch will often remind me of my first Michigan winter in 2004 and of how I went around from about mid October to late November often saying loudly "Come On! Snow!" And then how it did on the eve of Thanksgiving that year. Well, he was right. I wanted the snow up til then. I had not seen winter or snow for more than 7 years (living in LA, Houston & Austin, Texas). And since 2004 Michigan has been experiencing mild winters...til now.

Let's see, it is 3 degrees outside right now with wind chill of up to -16 degrees. Oooh boy! And that stupid little groundhog finally decides not to see his shadow on Friday... and Saturday we get a blizzard, resulting in way over a foot of new snow...and we are slated for at least 7 more inches into tonight. Oooh boy! But you know. I still love the snow...when it happens on a weekend and we do not have to be anywhere. We had a nice day in, I worked in my studio and Mitch worked in his...

This morning we decided after a tasty breakfast of French toast and sausage to dig ourselves out. Take a peek.

The Casa Blanca Inn

2007-01-31T15:30:00.000-05:00

268 days to go...

But something tells me that time is just going to fly by... Gees it's already February!

It is amazing how much advance planning has to be done to arrange a "destination" wedding. Mitch and I are thinking an "R & D" trip to New Mexico is in order for May. That would be "research and development." I rather fancy it a much needed short romantic escape with my honey. Stay tuned for details on that.

One of the first things settled on after Mitch found Aztec Ruins, was the B & B to host our wedding weekend. We chose the Casa Blanca Inn in Farmington, New Mexico. We have been working with the friendly, knowledgeable Virginia, and she has patiently answered all my questions and queries. And it was Virginia who suggested that we have our wedding supper at the Inn instead of a local restaurant. They are going to have a chef from a sister inn (Blue Lake Ranch) come down from Colorado, and prepare a multi-course dinner for our 10 guests.

The rooms at the Casa all look so warm, inviting and comfortable. Take a peek. Mitch and I have chosen the Chaco Suite for ourselves and have reserved the Fountain, Hideaway, Crownpoint, Courtyard, and Garden rooms for our guests.

What's New Pussy Cat...

2007-01-31T13:43:00.000-05:00

What's new pussy cat...meeooooow!

Well for starters...I found "the dress." Woohoo!

Originally Mitch's mom (Debbie) was going to work with me to design and sew a two piece skirt set...but...I confess, after reading all of my various bridal porn, I have been seduced to the dark side and am now lusting a bit more girlie and fancy.

Moving in stealth bridal mode (or should I say Elise's typical stealth shopping mode), I took myself into a bridal salon approximately 4 minutes from our house. And in under 10 minutes, I picked out (2) dresses and tried them on. One was okay, but the other, was FAB! While not quite finalized, I am pretty sure that I found "the dress." Debbie and I are going back to the bridal salon together in a couple weeks. Steath or no, I need another woman's opinion! For those ladies interested you can visit here. It is a Mori Lee Voyage dress. Select page three. It is the top right dress.

MITCH, Don't you dare peek!!!

While the dress is lovely as is, Debbie and I have already started planning how to customize the dress to make it more me...I think it is going to be perfect and I hope Mitch will love it too. :)

The Boots...Nuff Said

2007-01-23T13:17:00.000-05:00

These are my wedding day boots!
(Hey I totally admitted I am a bootaholic!)

To be honest, my wedding footwear was the first thing I purchased (aside from the numerous bridal porn magazines) after Mitch and I got engaged :P

For those who know me, they also know that I am an eBay junkie, and a believer & practitioner of bargain shopping (I heart the TJ Maxx & Marshall's). I never buy anything full price. Following suit, I found my boots on eBay! WooHoo! These puppies were made by Frye.

This will probably be the only part of my wedding outfit I share visually on our blog (following that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride's vestments before the big day!). Mitch thinks they are very cool and I am very excited to wear them on our big day.

The Great Kiva

2007-01-18T11:09:00.000-05:00

As promised, some big day details. This past October Mitch visited New Mexico for a mini vacation and to scout out a special spot for us to get married. In his wanderings he discovered the Aztec Ruins National Monument Park in Aztec, New Mexico. At the park is this wonderful reconstructed building called the Great Kiva. Kivas are sacred ceremonial chambers of the Pueblo Indians.
The excavation of this structure was started in 1921(as seen above), but there was no funding available at that time to repair or reconstruct the Kiva. It continued to fall into even more disrepair and ruin, until Earl Halstead Morris (1889-1956), an archaeologist on loan from the Carnegie Institute, pushed through a proposal for financing to full reconstruct the Kiva. To quote Morris “The ideal thing would be completely to restore the Great Kiva," he stated, "replacing its roof, and making available to the public an example of the most intricate sort of sanctuary that was ever developed by the Pueblo people.” (Lister and Lister, Chapter 7) The restoration of the Great Kiva begain in earnest in 1934 (as seen below) and was completed by October 1934.

On a fun aside it has been reported in a few places that Earl Morris was the inspiration for the fictional adventurer Indiana Jones. (I admit I am full of useless trivia and tidbits about all things Hollywood) There is a 1968 publication about Morris written by Florence Lister: Earl Morris and Southwestern Archaeology.

The Aztec Ruins has a fully detailed history of the Park written by Robert and Florence Lister available online. It is entitled Aztec Ruins National Monument: An Administrative History of an Archaeological Preserve (1990).

Today this beautiful structure, this sacred space is well taken care of and is part of a National Park reserve. Mitch loved the Kiva on sight and thought it would be perfect place for us to exchange vows. I could not agree with him more. The image above (on the left) was taken in Oct 1934 when the Great Kiva was completed. The image on the right was taken by Mitch in October 2006.

The interior is naturally lit with a skylight and windows built into the structure which one climbs down into. For our evening ceremony we hope to add nothing but votive candles to light the space. Because this is a sacred space, we intend to respect it and honor it. Truly we do not need to add anything to make it any more special than it is... Mitch and I believe it will be a very special and memorable time for us as well as our small party.

Another Quiet and Somewhat Snowy Sunday

2007-01-14T17:26:00.000-05:00

Another wet grey Sunday today...but that is ok... Our weekly Sunday morning brunch was brightened with yummy banana pancakes. As you see the calm continues as witnessed by a snoozing Nan and Mitch.

Strider and I, on the other hand thought it would be fun to work in my studio on a new necklace design. Well, Strider thought it would be fun to steal my necklace and play with it.

I promise some actual wedding details are on their way. Lots of exciting stuff is in the making. The biggest news, is that Mitch's Mom (Debbie) and Step-Dad (Dave) have already purchased their airfare for New Mexico. Yippee for frequent flyer miles!!!

Oooh! The new season of 24 premieres tonight and tomorrow! We heart Jack Bauer! Ok...more to come. Hope you had a fab weekend! :)

Before the Madness Ensues...

2007-01-10T12:15:00.000-05:00

You will see a theme here, of my boys. It started way back in October 2005 when we adopted Strider and it continues today. We call it the "sleeping power of cats."
How I wish I could nap a bit more, but we know a woman's work is never done. Though our girl kitty Nano gets a good nap on too.

We love our quiet nights and weekends with the kitties in the winter. We are especially fond of Netflix movie and dinner night. A couple faves include shrimp nachos or homemade spaghetti sauce over angel hair. Woo-hoo!, the 4th season of MI-5 just came out on DVD, and we are waiting on Wire in the Blood.

So we are enjoying this quiet time, before the wedding madness ensues and takes a hold...probably more of me than Mitch. That is because I am a control freak, hyper detail- oriented, and a super planner...So stay tuned. Lots of "Big Day" details are coming your way.

Happy New Year! : )

2007-01-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

Happy 2007! Boy did this holiday season just fly right by. I made my traditional trek to Tampa, Florida to visit my Mom, my Grandma, and my very cool, very talented Aunt Judy. Check out her site!

Of course we honored a few traditional Christmas things. Grandma made copious amounts of her yummy "scratch." (Known today as homemade Chex mix...but trust me the bagged stuff has nothing on the worchestershire, butter, garlic,and cashew concoction my Grandma whips up!)

Mom, Grandma, and I decorated what is fondly called the "Charlie Brown Tree" on Christmas eve morning. As you can see we also had fun with our annual Christmas cookie decorating. Aunt Judy baked over 100 sugar cookies this year in all kinds of shapes! And they were absolutely yummy!

Unfortunately Christmas day weather was pretty intense with huge thunderstorms and a couple tornados. Luckily, none hit near to us. We capped of the day with a nice ham dinner and all the fixins, and opened our gifts. All in all it was a very nice holiday.

Tutti and Grandma - Dec 26, 2006