I think I need a green sweater

A friend of mine posted this on her facebook. I never saw or heard it before. I love it. Thanks Debbie Nybo Wheeler!

Show Some Spine

will be the name of my book blog. It won by a landslide. Thanks for voting y'all! But I have lots of work to do before it's set up. So it's "private" right now. You will be the first to know when it's ready. Promise.

VOTE in my poll: If you were a librarian...

and you were going to start a book blog about (mostly children's and teen) controversial/challenged/banned titles, what would you call the blog? I've set up a poll in my sidebar for those of you who want to vote on the ideas I'm thinking of now. BUT if you have other ideas, PLEASE put them in the comments (and hopefully it is not already taken). The poll will be open until midnight (EST) this Friday. Let's brainstorm, people! This is fun!

{image via}

Beautiful beautiful fall

{I'm way behind in uploading pics to flickr, way behind. Damn homework. But I wanted to put something vibrant up on this plain, white blog. Playing around with macro setting and fall leaves and blue sky.}

Grey's Anatomy fame

If all goes according to plan, Faded Paper Figures will be part of the soundtrack on Grey's Anatomy tonight. I've never watched the show until last week. Well, I wanted to kind of know what's going on when I watch it tonight. The song they are using is Polaroid Solution. "So turn on your TV..." tonight. 9pm/8 central. ABC. Whoot!

One of many things you can do with a moleskin

It's a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (meaning awesome) video. Just watch it.



{via The Apple and the Egg}

On experiencing real autumn again

The following fill me with delight and anticipation:

* Squirrels scampering on the ground, up trunks, over branches, across power lines - busy creatures.

* The majority of the trees are actually changing! Still mostly green, but the fiery colors are hinting of their peak arrival.

* Blustery days - especially when I have the option of curling up on the couch with my studies.

* The thought of making lots of meals with hot soup.

* The occasional clunks of acorns falling and clangs of our radiator heating up.

* Yesterday was the 12th anniversary of my engagement to John, and my aunt's birthday.

John made a video of a recent outing which will give you a moving visual and is just fun. You can see it here: (password is "Williams")
http://vimeo.com/7014606

Oh fall, how I've missed you!

Have you ever been in the New York Post?

Some can say yes to this question. Not me. But John, Kael and Heather can. Although technically, I did take that photo of them.

Also, even though they are victims of geography (on opposite coasts), these guys are still making songs together. Via the internets. So watch for new stuff. I'll of course be announcing it here when it comes out. It's really good.

Banned, Not Bland

Beings how Banned Books Week started on Saturday, I thought I'd share that I'll be starting a new little book blog that focuses on banned and challenged books for children and teens. Right now I have a library youth services class that is focused on intellectual freedom and censorship. So the new blog is starting out as a school assignment, but I hope to keep it going long after the class is over. Every librarian should have a book blog, right? So, if you want to follow what controversial books I'm reading now (before I get the blog up), you can probably see them on my goodreads sidebar thingy or profile.

And, if you think banned books are cool (like I do) and want to know more about them, here are some links to the ALA (American Library Association) site about frequently challenged titles:

About Banned and Challenged Books

Frequently Challenged Books

By Year (click on a year in the sidebar to view the top 10 challenged titles for that year)

Banned and Challenged Classics

Plus, check out this fun map.

Hurry, before Banned Books Week is over!

House colors

This is a post I wrote for The Exponent blog and thought I'd put it up here too.

It's good to have something that can make you smile when life gets overwhelming. I've been trying to get my bearings in a new place lately (just moved from one coast to the other), which is hard and a bit lonely. On top of that, hearing of the struggles of friends I left behind has been heartbreaking. And this week, places I live or have lived and love carry a pall of death and violence. It might go without saying that recent events and circumstances that have me thinking sadder, darker thoughts. So I thought I'd post about one cheering something in my personal stash. Colors, in general. The colors painted around my neighborhood, in particular.

One thing about my neighborhood I imagine could never cease to cheer my insides are the gorgeous, old homes in vibrant colors. Sometimes the structure is bold as a whole. Other times it's simply the door or some trim/detailing painted a bright color. I couldn't help myself and took some pictures of a few. So, here is a sampling of my photo documentation. Sometimes the lighting was in my favor, sometimes not. But they are bright and beautiful, no? I'm also imagining that when this winter starts to drag on and on, I'll be glad of these friendly visages then, too. You can see all the photos on my flickr set.

{Note: I don't know most of the people who live in these homes yet. I have no idea what they would think if they knew photos of their homes have been posted on the internet. I guess what I would say to them is, "Your homes are beautiful and make me happy. Please don't sue me."}

Random and surprising, I know

Summer is over. I've started my classes. My kids have started school. John has started teaching. It is official. I love school starting. It gives such comforting order to the day.

I did okay letting go of the kids. I was mostly nervous for Miles. Harry somehow seems less fragile to me. Probably because Miles has to go through everything first - it's always new for me when he moves on to the next stage.

So while Miles was at school on his first day of 3rd grade in a brand new place, what repeatedly pops into my mind, of all the things I could be obsessing over - something that's only happened once. It was like this: Miles came home from school one day in 1st grade a bit upset because we had let him grow up thinking it was perfectly normal to dip your grilled cheese sandwich in ketchup. Apparently his classmates didn't grow up with the same food culture. So, this week, on his first day the thing I was worried about was that Miles would be embarrassed because his parents have let him go all these years with a skewed perception of reality. My fear is that he will feel betrayed in some way because we let him go to 3rd grade thinking it's perfectly normal to make up your own harmonies during sing-alongs - or that Kobe went to jail because he didn't go to college before starting his NBA career.

So, the surprising and random part about this post is that I'll have to quit posting so OFTEN on my blog as I focus on my classes. I know, you will miss the daily posts. Just know that I'm learning Dewey Decimal and discussing intellectual freedom in my spare time. {Actually, this may mean that I post more often - it's a great way to avoid doing homework and I am quite adept at procrastination, but don't count on it. I am going to be an AMAZING student this semester.}

More of the house

I have a few more pictures up on my flickr of the apartment I love and am thankful for everyday. If you're interested.

She's a gem

My far away friend, who used to be my backdoor neighbor, literally only a few paces away if I ever needed anything, she is so fabulous. And has kept the seriously serious contract she was bound to through my comment on her blog post. So she made me a fantastic messenger bag. From scratch. And then filled it with cool things before she sent it. A book on my "to read" list. And some random cutlery. (I realize as I am posting this that I don't have good a full-on picture of the bag, just details - probably because they are so cool. But as I will be using the bag frequently, I'm sure there will be a better picture of it soon.)





Thanks, Jessica! NOTE: If you want to own something awesome (like my bag) made by Jessica, you must visit her Only One Everything blog.

{Now those of you who already received the things I made just for you, you may now be reminded to post about them. And Jourdan & Annie can be expecting theirs to arrive sometime before October.}

Faded Paper Figures video "Metropolis"

Y'alls should watch FPF's video on myspace. Supa cool.

Metropolis


Links to the video: Try HERE. Or HERE (scroll down).

Appropriate and awesome art

but i miss all my friends
Originally uploaded by Julien Kedryna

Just a little humid

This is the front of our house from the street. We live on the second floor. The street is so close to the house and the trees in front are quite large, so I couldn't even get the third floor in the photo. But there is a third floor large enough to accommodate a three-bedroom apartment.

We are amazed (and for the most part, pleased) by the weather here. Harry and I went on our front balcony (see photo above) this afternoon to experience it on a grander scale. I took a little video of it. The heavier "shower" behind Harry is the rain gutters trying not to burst.



Oh, and happy birthday to my baby brother (love you, J)!

Moving Pictures!

So John put together a few videos of our first weeks in New Haven. The password for both videos is Williams.

Go and see them!

http://vimeo.com/5698054
http://vimeo.com/5778451

To hear

I love it when I can hear my kids giggling and guffawing at the Marx Brothers in the next room.

Sorry about the delay

I have photos and am going to post them. Soon. But I've just been so busy making friends here that I hardly have time for anything else. {SIGH}

Seriously? I miss friends and family in CA and UT terribly. So feel free to call me for a chat sometime (I guess this invitation is only for those have my cell number already—which hasn't changed since we moved—or you can email me for that info if you don't have it).

Anyway, I'll try and make tomorrow a catch-up day for photos—here and on flickr. But in the meantime, this is my 1920s kitchen sink, atop some cool, black-painted steel cabinetry. I like it. Note the boys' rock collection (from our rock hunting expeditions at the nearby park) on the right-hand drainboard. The doorway on the left is to the butler's pantry. Which is good to have in case we get a butler. The doorway on the right goes down the stairs to the back entry.

And we're good. For now.

I feel moved in. Mostly. Officially finished cleaning yesterday. I finally did the floors. Oh my aching body. It was fun for a while there chasing the dust bunnies around...but I'm sure they'll be back soon.

So, I tried to take some photos of my favorite parts of the new place. I'm sure I'll get some better ones eventually. But here's a peek of just a few spots for now. It's fun because our landlord has tried to preserve lots of the original 1920s features.

{Back door entry. I'm standing a few steps up on the way to our floor.}

{One of the glass doorknobs. There are only a few. They remind me of my Grandma Idon's house.}

{Wall sconces in every room and hall (except the veranda, which is full of windows instead).}

{Light switch in the study. I love to push the buttons. Don't you love the mirror plate?}

More later. Gotta go eat some real New England apizza.

Professional Putterer

Settling in and getting my home organized has made a hermit out of me this last week or so. The only reason I go out is because John forces me to. But I can't help it if I love to putter. Despite my complaining of the endless list of things to do, I really love it. I have been wandering around the disheveled house in a reverie of puttering. Just flitting from one task to another, whether or not I've finished them, as my whims dictate. So busy I could forget about eating and showering and almost even sleeping. My next post will be about the treasures and joys of moving into and renting an old (1920s) house. I will even post pictures when things are more in order.

I'll just say one thing now, though. The floors. I adore the wood floors. And these floors are the originals. Old and worn in a cool way, i.e. still gorgeous. Oh, I have so many floors to clean, it seems. Which is not one of the chores I love. The satisfaction and effect are so fleeting for the amount of effort it takes. So until I tackle that ginormous task, I'm doing all my puttering in old socks. And I try to shuffle everywhere I go. Maybe that's how I'll keep my floors clean for the time being.

Anyone have any wood floor care tips?

Interim spent in Utah

{Photo from our neighbor and dear friend, Robin, as we said goodbye to CA}

Things that have happened:

* Said goodbye to Irvine and our good friends there. Sniff.

* Spent time with John's family in SLC. This included a little shopping, lots of delicious food, and playing with River.

* Had a bit of a reunion with some older Irvine friends (ones that had moved away in past years). My favorite part was seeing Miles reunite with his first (and only so far) girlfriend, Eden. First there was a hug (no kiss) and then lots of elaborate, imaginative play with the rest of the kids.

* Came to Logan where the main focus was playing with cousins. I think it's cute (albeit annoying) how Harry doesn't want to do anything unless it's with his cousin, little JD.

* Met Rooster, the adorable new addition to JD and Libbie's household. A golden retriever puppy and a good, good boy.

* Drove up to Idaho to see my Grandma Lois and her baby pines, beautiful irises, and rampant petunias. We got to drive up to see the rustic family cabin at Island Park by Henry's River, and John took some cool video footage of it all. Plus, even though it was after hours, we stopped by the gorgeous Suppose for a few minutes on the way back to Logan. They were so nice to let us in. That shop is a GEM so you should go see it if you live/visit anywhere near Preston.

* John left for CT so he could meet the moving truck at our new apartment. He's kept me up-to-date on everything he's doing. He's done so much, we'll be moved in in no time.

* I stayed here a bit longer and was able to see (if only for a little bit) my incredible friends, Kristine! and Abbi and their fabulous kids and hubs.

* Perfect timing for Logan's Summerfest, where I watched Libbie Linton bravely play and sing her songs while a spider was crawling on her wrist, the boys did art projects at the "Art Yard," and I lost my purse and most of its contents to the port-a-potty. {A long story, and disgusting. It happened when I sneezed. I guess I didn't really give a sh** about that bag (stole that line from my sis-in-law). Actually, I adored the bag. It was orange.}

* Oh, and I saw Jana in Logan, too. That was a bit uncanny, but so delightful. I was all "what are you doing here?"

* Read The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale and didn't want to put it down.

* Spent Father's Day with my father. A super special treat.

Now, nearing the end of our stay in Utah, I'm back in SLC with the boys. We fly to NYC on Friday, where John will pick us up. I can't WAIT to see that guy. The strangest thing is, I am accustomed to going home after a long visit with family. Home being a familiar place. This time, home is unfamiliar. But it is a new adventure. And I'm excited and a little impatient for it to be familiar. Wish me luck!


p.s. Happy birthday to my cheerful & inspiring mom-in-law.

Winner batch #5

This is probably the last batch of winners. It's getting harder and harder to talk myself out of keeping things. Even when I get to give them to people I like so much. Plus, time is running out. But I have had so much fun doing this that you can be sure I'll do it again next time I am purging my stuff.

14. Steve Martin's The Pleasure of My Company goes to jami, who must now email her mailing address to me! Hooray for connecting with childhood friends! (my email link is on my blogger profile)

15. The small greenish vase has made its way into sarahvay's hands tonight. I know it will be happy there.

16. Of course the baby hat from Catalina Island will belong to my new niece just in time for winter. Kudos to the beautiful tami j. for entering on the unborn babe's behalf!

17. Chelsea is the lucky winner of not only the newborn beanie with a pom pom...

18. But also the green earrings! Don't worry, Emily and kristine, I've been having so much fun mailing stuff to people that I'm practically addicted. All I'm saying is, don't be surprised if you get something from me in the mail.

Winner batch #4

THREE CHEERS FOR THE COMMENTORS!

11. Amber of course gets the amber-colored ornament. Who could contest that?

12. The Chinese bowls will go to Sadie. There's nothing like a likeable cousin to convince me to get rid of things. Cause you never know when she'll get sick of them and give them back.

13. And my favorite book has found a place on my good friend, Erin's, bookshelf.

And a happy birthday to my love

Taking a bow, rock star that he is.

{Photo credit: Tatiana Jimenez}

Handmade earrings

I once made these and I think I wore them a couple of times (because I then stopped wearing all my earrings). Just think, you could be such a fashionable dangly-earring wearer if you enter this giveaway.

Handmade newborn beanie with pom-pom

I made this myself. I want someone having a baby this winter to end up with it. Because what the picture may not show is that it is really small.

Crocheted baby hat

I didn't make this one myself, but bought it years ago (1994) on Catalina Island just because it was so cute. And I want to make sure somebody finally uses it. It's not quite a newborn size. I would guess it fits a 3-month-old.

Winner batch #3

YOU LUCKY PEOPLE, YOU!

8. I get to keep the tiny bamboo dining set. Even though I don't have a dollhouse.

9. Hope is the fortunate winner of the toothbrush holder (and matching cup)! YAY!

10. And the jade teapot is reserved for amelia so she can give it to someone special!

Small greenish vase

Yet another dainty breakable. This one has been broken and lovingly repaired already (you may be able to see a crack in the photo). But the glaze is infinitely interesting. And such a classic shape. It stands just about 4" tall.

Another favorite book

Hilarious. A must-read. And it can be yours if you enter this giveaway. I wish the extra copy I'm giving away had this cover, though:

My Favorite Book

If I could say I actually have a favorite, this would be it at the moment. There are so many things I love about it. The narrative structure. The stories. The honesty. The puzzles. The humor. The brilliant writing. But the characters, oh, the characters. I love them. I have an extra copy and want to give it to someone. Maybe you.

Tiny Chinese bowls/cups

I honestly don't know if these would be used as bowls for a dipping sauce or for drinking rice wine, or something else entirely. But they are dainty (the lip is a little over 2" in diameter). One has a landscape and the other a floral design (maybe a lotus). Cuteness. I'm almost talking myself into keeping them. (Don't be offended if I decide to!)

Amber-colored jewel ornament

This photo gives you an idea of its shape.

This one is more about its color.

Just stick an ornament hook on this and it's good to go for your Christmas tree or kitchen window! (p.s. Got it at Target last year.)

Winner batch #2

YAY! I LOVE THIS!!!

4. Jana wins the metal candle holder!

5. Tanner and Amber are the lucky new owners of the Japanese bowls!

6. The worry rock winner is Heather! Woohoo!

7. And the sparkly green barrettes will grace the gorgeous locks of Edith Ann's hair!

(Heather and Edith, you need to email me your addresses and I'll get those in the mail ASAP.)

First batch of winners

HOORAY FOR STUFF!!!

1. Daisy wins the white and blue wall display thingy!

2. Daisy also wins the green handbag! (There is no nepotism going on here, I swear.)

3. And the IKEA glasses go to...well, I'm not sure yet. Maybe because part of me just wants to solve the mystery of how they got in our trunk. But I'll choose a winner soon. Promise.

Tiny carved jade teapot

This little guy is almost 1.5" tall. ADORABLE, in other words. Another China purchase that needs a good home.

Chrome toothbrush holder

I know this one will have about a million comments because everyone will want it, but just try your best. If you aren't sure you want it, but would be sold if it came with a matching cup thingy, I'll throw that in too.

Dollhouse-size bamboo dining set

Don't you want this exotic dining set for your dollhouse? I bought it in China.

Sparkly green barretts

I obviously don't have a need for these anymore. But they are pretty to look at. But I would most like to see them in someone's shiny hair.


{It was not easy to get Harry to model, but he easily has the most hair in our house.}