Please Hello

Haiku tribute to summer

2011-08-17T21:05:00.006-04:00

Oh summer, why must
you be so lovely and short
so lonely and long?

{Photos taken by Grandma Laurie in Utah last month}

Shooting a pillow

2011-08-11T20:07:00.003-04:00

Pillow shoot 3, originally uploaded by brookewill.

I love this pretty pillow. My mom made it for her mother. Taking photos of it makes me happy. You can admire all the needlework details on my flickr set.

Kid History

2011-06-25T18:45:00.002-04:00

I can't get over how funny this is. I have been thinking about it every day since I saw it on my friend's facebook status. It makes me happy.

To mom & dad

2011-06-19T14:52:00.004-04:00

This is what's in the mail this very moment for Mother's Day and Father's Day together (to save postage?). I love you two people. Be safe on your adventure. Love, Brooke

FPF live video in LA

2011-04-13T10:21:00.001-04:00

...or, I think my husband is hot.

Faded Paper Figures - Invent It All Again - LIVE from Kael Alden on Vimeo.

Prepare to be amazed

2011-04-12T14:27:00.000-04:00

If a woman snores in her room and no one is there to hear it, is she really snoring?

2011-03-20T14:50:00.006-04:00

John has been out of town for 10 days and nights. I'll be so glad to have him back home in a few hours. And I can't wait to see/hear footage of the stuff he was doing out there on the west coast. Go Faded Paper Figures!

Thrifted towels

2011-02-23T11:16:00.004-05:00

Thrifted towels, originally uploaded by brookewill.

I get lucky sometimes at Savers and Goodwill and Salvation Army. But only with something I wasn't looking for. I don't even know where a person might find such cool towels. I mean, if I had a thought in my head about getting some colorful, design-y towels, I wouldn't know where to start looking. But now that I have them, I don't have to.

{Mustard and coral leaves and swirls.}

{Burnt orange and peach floral.}

Being revolting by revolting

2011-02-13T18:40:00.005-05:00

Language can be tricky. Especially when talking about female facial hair. Take the following conversation I had with my husband, for example.

John: (noticing my mustache) Hm. Looks like it's time to do a little bleaching.

Me: I know. I'm revolting.

John: No, it's not that bad—

Me: Yah, I'm rebelling against societal norms that say women can't have obvious facial hair.

John: Oh, I thought you were saying that you look—

Me: Yes, I'm revolting and disgusting and repulsive. And my cosmetic policy is that I only do something about my facial hair when I can no longer stand myself.

What planet am I on?

2011-01-28T12:26:00.003-05:00

Snow sequence frame 1, originally uploaded by brookewill.

The amount of snow that has fallen on our town this month really blows me away, despite the fact that I grew up in northern Utah. There have been plenty of snowdays lately (school canceled "due to poor weather conditions"). I may have to start homeschooling purely by default.

I wish I could capture the immensity and chaos of the snow with photos, but I'm too busy shooing my kids off the various screens to which they devote their snowday free time. That or I'm too busy defending myself from their snowball attacks. Yesterday John was shoveling our driveway and ended up directing traffic on our busy street, which had been reduced to one lane at various points. We are running out of space to put all the snow. But it makes things exciting. I mean, it could just be a cold, boring winter with no snow. Now the world seems like another planet, or a theme park - and all kinds of expectations (like going to school, for instance, or grocery shopping) are shot.

I have the impression my feelings about it all would be somewhat less enthusiastic if I had a job, or homework to do. I guess I'm pretty lucky.

Another toothless photo

2011-01-23T22:47:00.001-05:00

M trying to sneak into the photo, originally uploaded by brookewill.

The tooth fairy has made more than one visit to our house this week. Two for Harry and then one visit for Miles last night. Is it something in the water or the cosmos?

Lost his third and fourth last week

2011-01-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

Lost his fourth
Originally uploaded by brookewill

Just call me Master Brooke

2011-01-18T17:31:00.000-05:00

As someone who is interested in everything, it was hard for me to choose a major in college, actually decide on one particular field of study. So I graduated in English. Theoretically, you can read about any topic in an English class. You can also read a lot of theoretical stuff.

When it came to choosing a career, though, my English degree didn't necessarily help. So it seemed well-suited to place myself in the field of libraries. That's the place where you can be smart at everything. Which is what I want to be when I grow up. Smart at everything.

I finished last semester, after 5 years of grad school.

Today I got my diploma in the mail. A crisp, embellished, but no-nonsense piece of paper. It is a glorious feeling.

Stop Sign Graffiti

2011-01-07T12:40:00.009-05:00

Just some local vandalism I am amused by.

Polite.

Attitude.

Liberal.

Potty humor.

Journey lyrics. {It's hard to read the marker but it says "Don't [STOP] believing." Posted previously here.}

And, though not a stop sign, below is something I see on USPS mail drops all over New Haven and it makes me giggle. If you're going to be bad ass and break the law by vandalizing government property with graffiti, why would you use a pseudo swear word? I don't know, but somehow it speaks volumes.

by Robert Lewis Stevenson

2011-01-06T19:13:00.003-05:00

HAPPY THOUGHT

The world is so full of a number of things,
I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings [Edit: or queens].

{from A Child's Garden of Verses}

Newsmasters distraction

2010-12-17T09:03:00.002-05:00

Great Reviews Part 2

2010-12-12T21:48:00.006-05:00

I apologize if you like cats. This may hurt your feelings. But it's too funny not to share.

Someone reviewing Metropolis (just scroll down a little) by Faded Paper Figures:

i just punched my neighbors cat cuz this song is soooo goood!! ;D

What the...??!

Great Reviews - Part 1

2010-12-09T08:50:00.006-05:00

The best thing about the internet is how a vast number of people can contribute to discussions all over the place. And one of my favorite things about Amazon is that any customer can write a review. And so many do. Personally, I am too lazy to write reviews, but there are people out there who do it and I love the extra advice when I'm shopping.

So, our kids are interested in Weird Al Yankovic these days and we just bought The Essential Weird Al. This was one of the customer reviews we found to be helpful:

Customer Review

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars "Music"???... "Art"???... This is pure NONSENSE..., October 22, 2010
By
ARMANDO R. VENEGAS "Omar Dan Ben-Gaz"
This review is from: The Essential Weird Al Yankovic (Audio CD)
I deeply hate this guy. I hate every "Music Hit" he makes.
I hate all the "funny" Covers he thinks he makes from well known music hits. Either considered as a Parody or not, his "Music" is awful.
His voice is the WORST voice I've ever heard (even worse than my own, which is horrible).

I would give him -********** (MINUS ten stars) if such option would be available in Amazon.com.

If there's still anybody that thinks Weird Al Yankovic is an "Artist"...
Well, maybe you could be very happy living with Bizarre Superman in planet XYZ. Not in this world.

I mean, don't you think it sounds like Weird Al could have written this review himself? It's hilarious! Harry's favorite track: "Ebay." Miles also loves "Ebay" but his other frequent requests are "Trapped in the Drive-Thru" and "Eat It." My favorite right now: "White and Nerdy." I'm sure I will be sick of it all pretty soon. But for now, not so.

The Best-Possible-Worst-Birthday-Ever

2010-11-30T20:52:00.005-05:00

If you are ever sick on your birthday, I feel for you. Yesterday I was so sick and miserable - my whole body aching because of a lousy sore throat - that I forgot it was my birthday. Then my boys did a very sweet "1-2-3, Happy Birthday, Mom!" before they went to school and I was like, oh yeah. It's my birthday. Then I fitfully slept the day away, thinking I would love to be punched in the gut rather than have to swallow again - actually wishing I could have an i.v. to put fluid and nutrients in my body. I had fears of ear infections multiple times during the day and I didn't even want to read or watch t.v.!

But my kids were so sympathetic and my husband was so helpful (even though he was sick too, just to a lesser degree) and they gave me presents and cards, and I got other presents in the mail from thoughtful parents and friends. So I would like to say, thank you for all of your birthday wishes. You have helped to make this birthday the best-possible-worst-birthday-ever.

This morning when Miles said, "Hey mom, you're 34 years old!" I said (softly because my throat still hurt) "Yay! I'm a big girl!" And he thought that was so funny so I felt good for being funny. Just so you know, I felt about 200% better by this afternoon. But still not 100% myself. I am going to bed early, because I can tell I still need it. And I'm going out to celebrate another night with John. I think I'll appreciate it 1,000 times more as a healthy person.

{Photo by John's iPhone}

Discovering my mom was a real person

2010-11-12T13:14:00.003-05:00

I remember when I realized that my mom likes black pepper on her eggs. I think that was when it dawned on me that she actually had preferences - she was an actual person. She is a good person and I admire so much about her. Thanks for the letters, cards, and emails of encouragement, mom (dad too!) - almost done with my portfolio!

Things I bought in the last 7 days

2010-11-09T21:56:00.001-05:00

1. Miles' Halloween candy (what was left after 4 days) for $1
2. A shirt/tunic at Target--but it was from the girls' section, so I'll probably run into a 9-year-old wearing the same thing as me. Maybe your daughter.
3. Extra long johns for the boys. It snowed this morning (of course it melted already).
4. Movie tickets to give away at a Harry Potter *party (tickets that could be used to see HP7 when it comes out on the 20th)!
5. Fresh mozzarella. Ciabatta rolls.
6. Curtains for the front room. They are blue and from IKEA.
7. Plastic to winterize our windows.
8. Hardcover of The BFG at Savers.

*Party details: Monday, November 15th, 4pm, Mitchell Library @ 37 Harrison St., New Haven, CT

Beaut-ee-ful

2010-10-12T13:32:00.000-04:00

I got these special-made. I'm sure Becky Jean would make something for you if you ask her to. Thank you Becky!

Harry is on You Tube

2010-10-05T20:06:00.001-04:00

These toys are basically his whole world right now. And he wanted to make a video about them. Now you know what we talk about around here. All. The. Time.

Because it makes complete sense

2010-10-04T10:53:00.003-04:00

Harry: Why dare you?!?!

{Pic from the top of East Rock}

My Life is School

2010-09-07T22:07:00.005-04:00

But it will be over soon. School, I mean. So while I prove my mastery of library science, you can look at this funny sign from Spring Hollow in Logan Canyon. I took the picture on an outing with my kids and my brother's family last month while I was in Utah. We didn't see any bums, though.

Burgeoning Radio Personality

2010-08-30T11:14:00.005-04:00

Listen to my cousin. She's good enough, I think, to be a regular voice on public radio.

Listen here:

Go here to see the transcript: Perspectives: A Midsummer Night's Dream by Emily Prusso

YA Authors Are Cool

2010-08-21T11:36:00.006-04:00

Month at the Museum: James Kennedy from James Kennedy on Vimeo.

I haven't even read anything by James Kennedy, but after watching this video, I want to. Plus, cute baby.

{via A Fuse #8 Production blog of Elizabeth Bird, NYC children's librarian.}

Summer Tour

2010-07-30T00:44:00.007-04:00

If you live close enough to one of these venues, don't miss a Faded Paper Figures live show (a rare thing indeed). They are going to rock it multi-media, multi-genre, with-a-guest-drummer style. Here is their mostly-west-coast tour schedule (sorry, one show was yesterday). Look:

July 28, 2010: Los Angeles, CA: Spaceland
July 29, 2010: Fullerton, CA: Continental Room
July 30, 2010: Pomona, CA: Glasshouse
~~July 31, 2010: San Diego, CA: Beauty Bar~~ CANCELLED
Aug. 2, 2010: San Francisco, CA: Elbo Room
Aug. 3, 2010: Portland, OR: Berbati's Pan
Aug. 4, 2010: Seattle, WA: Nectar Lounge
Aug. 6, 2010: Logan, UT: WhySound
Aug. 7, 2010: Provo, UT: Muse

And don't forget to spend some money on a t-shirt!

{Photos from John's iPhone}

Miles caught a rainbow

2010-07-24T23:42:00.003-04:00

And we ate it. It tasted as good as salmon. For the record, I've never caught a fish. It's okay. Don't feel sorry for me.

Plummique

2010-07-22T16:43:00.003-04:00

I just heard about this etsy shop and I think I need some new earrings. Check out the talented Becky Jean's wares. How cute would this hat look on your favorite 3-6 year old?

Visiting Utah

2010-07-19T00:33:00.006-04:00

I'll be here for a few weeks. The best thing ever is seeing my family. Best. Ever.

How is he so cute?

2010-06-21T11:18:00.002-04:00

Doing some insect research for this little fellow. Just because we are curious.

Beets

2010-06-16T22:09:00.002-04:00

If you're not too sure about eating them, you can always make art with them.

List day

2010-06-03T21:25:00.000-04:00

1. I am painting an old dresser. It will be fire hydrant yellow a.k.a. "marigold", a.k.a. (by my kids) "Pikachu yellow" and the inside of the drawers will be painted "snowdrop" - IF I don't run out of steam, clear skies, and time before my summer class starts.

2. Painting is hard work. I am so inexperienced. I wish my mom were here. It is also therapeutic.

3. I am painting because we need furniture because we are moving out of our furnished apartment at the end of the month. I got the dresser on freecycle. And I want it to be cute.

4. We are moving downstairs. It is just as charming as this apartment, if not more so. Plus we won't have downstairs neighbors to annoy.

5. I have the best neighbors in the world upstairs right now. But they are moving about 0.5 miles away. I don't know what I will do.

6. Our future upstairs neighbors are child psychologists. Which may come in handy?

7. I have a friend coming for a visit this weekend. I have only met her once. She has never been to my house (or my current city?). It will be fun.

8. I am behind in blog reading, blog writing, and keeping-in-touch stuff in general. And it's all because I'm painting this dresser. What am I doing between coats? Eating candy.

8 1/2. I think I'm on the verge of a writing goal. Bigger than I've ever done. 50 days of consistency. Let's see if this idea does more than sit and eat candy.

9. Last week I sat next to an old man at a cafe. We didn't talk the whole time. When I got up to leave, he said, "Goodbye, cookie."

Some of you know, some of you do not

2010-05-29T10:34:00.007-04:00

This is cool. My very own sister-in-law, Libbie Linton, is in the running to play at LILITH FAIR in Salt Lake City. I think it would be the BOMB if she won. You, too, should take an interest and create a username and vote for her song at Ourstage.com. If anyone deserves to play on the same stage as Metric and Sarah McLachlan and Rihanna, it's Libbie.

Go here to judge:
http://www.ourstage.com/contests/4014-lilith-local-talent-search-salt-lake-city

Before Sunday night. I will love you forever.

Pick a name

2010-05-25T08:52:00.005-04:00

I'm just wondering. Does anyone else out there get called by the wrong name? I mean, frequently. And the same name. But it's not your name. Does this happen?

I have been called Brooks. But that's not too far off. I mostly get called that by old people. But it's funny to me that I often get mistaken for a Becky or a Holly. Becky isn't too far off too considering it starts with the right letter. But Holly. This name has popped up too many times for me to think it's just coincidence. Lots of people have called me Holly.

This is what happens to me. Has it happened to you? I sometimes wonder if I look like a Brooke. I have given myself names in the past. Clothilde was one of them. And Naomi was another. Those were my adolescent names. Right now, I might be more of a Wanda.

If I don't look like a Brooke, what do I look like?

If I were to give myself a name right now, what would it be? What name fits the way I look? What name would you give me? What name would you give yourself?

No Way! Get Out!

2010-05-14T17:39:00.001-04:00

HEY FPF FANS!!! Get New Medium at Cdbaby now BEFORE the official release! Follow this link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fadedpaperfigures3

New Medium RELEASE on May 25th

2010-05-14T12:50:00.004-04:00

Faded Paper Figures' best stuff yet. You can't wait to buy it.

Actual results may vary

2010-05-11T09:39:00.011-04:00

That is the story of my hair right now. I never know what it will look like from day to day. This is because I let the events and environment of my day "do" my hair for me (e.g. did I wash it? did I have time to comb it? did I fall back to sleep after I washed it? is the wind blowing? is it humid or raining?). It is also because I have avoided the painful act of trying to find a hair stylist since we moved here last summer. Because really? How could I find someone as brilliant and nice as my last stylist?

My last five haircuts have been done by myself (with the clippers) and by John (Honey, will you please trim my mullet? Just take off an inch from the back there.) Have I reached a desperate enough point that I will go and see someone? A therapist for my hair? Or should I just get a $15 Supercuts haircut that I feel free to hate because it only cost me 30 minutes and $15?

This is my hair on a bad day (According to John):

This was yesterday -
John: (can't stop looking at my hair)
Brooke: What? Do you like my hair?
John: Uh. Yeah.
Brooke: But?
John: But just don't wear it like that.
Brooke: (sassy) OK, whose hair does it look like?
John: (pause - thinking) Who's the Boss?
Brooke: You mean Tony Danza.
John: Yes.
Brooke: My hair looks like Tony Danza's?
John: But I mean that in a good way.

Then this is my hair today. At least it's what I feel like it looks like:

What's a girl to do? It doesn't fit in a ponytail yet. Should I give up on growing it out?

Am I becoming so bourgeois because I think I need 2 homes?

2010-05-10T10:37:00.005-04:00

But one of them is only 300 sq ft, and in Hong Kong.

via my friend Katherine

Today is Poem In Your Pocket Day

2010-04-29T11:49:00.005-04:00

This is the poem I am carrying around in my electronic pocket today - partly because it's about pockets. Matt Cook is a poet from Milwaukee, and I am a fan. What I like most about his poems is that they are quirky - full of humor, sometimes complete randomness, and wonderful, unexpected endings.

The Pants in This City

There are more pants in this city than there are people.
There are more pockets than there are pants.
There are pennies in the pockets of people's pants in this city.
There are pencils behind people's ears, occasionally.
There are isolated pockets
Of people wearing pants with pockets in this city.
There are puny little pictures of people
On the pennies in the pockets of people's pants in this city.
There are pieces of paper in the pockets of people's pants.
There are confirmation notices in the pockets of people's pants.
There are pencils behind people's ears sometimes.
There are puppies with microchips implanted in their foreheads.
Thank God for that. Thank God we'll never lose that puppy again!
There are lost puppy notification fliers
Posted in the park with Polaroid snapshots.
There are problems with the lost puppy Polaroids in the park.
There are serious problems with creative control on lost puppy fliers.
I would like to see the photo credits
On lost puppy notification fliers in the park.
The actual person who took the Polaroid,
I would like to see his or her name, in small lettering,
Alongside the picture of the lost puppy in the park.

by Matt Cook

Read more of his poems at http://intertwingled.net/poetry/poets/M/Matt%20Cook/index.html
Buy his books on amazon.

When slow motion just feels right

2010-04-20T20:16:00.003-04:00

There is something very significant about slow motion in our house right now. As a concept in and of itself, yes, it is treasured. But also as a means for fairness. And as a descriptive phrase. I will show you:

1. Miles (9) and John (35) are playing basketball in the veranda with a nerf ball. Harry (6) is the referee. John keeps stuffing Miles. Harry blows his whistle and calls "unfair" on John. His exact words: "Dad. You can't block. You can't block him when YOU are ahead. You have to let him shoot." The penalty is that for the rest of the game, whenever John shoots the ball, it has to be in slow motion, and that will make the game fair. A requirement that just feels right.

2. Harry has joined his mom and dad in their bed at 3 am. It is not an unusual occurrence. He has basically always been a co-sleeper. One of his parents will usually take him back to his bed when he becomes a nuisance or bed hog or whatnot. On this night his dad takes him back to his bed after being punched and kicked "in slow motion" one too many times. A description that just feels right.

Inspired/Uninspired

2010-04-18T19:53:00.010-04:00

When I finish a well-written book, it sometimes makes me want to write. But sometimes not. And sometimes both yes and no. I finished The Guernsey Literary and blah blah blah Society today. I would recommend this book to everyone, pretty much. It makes me want to write letters. Real letters, like on paper. And to perfect the art of it. I want to write the funny, quirky details of life the way this book does it. The writing is clever and silly and sober all at once. Brilliant. But I don't even know where to begin with my own writing. So I want to write, and I don't.

Which takes me to this blog. It is kind of a frivolous thing. I like to play hard-to-get with it sometimes. The kinds of things I think about it make me wonder if it's a destructive relationship. Do you sometimes hate blogging? Do you sometimes hate digital words?

Feeling buoyant

2010-04-14T16:40:00.004-04:00

After a visit from my parents and then a weekend retreat in CA. Thank you mom & dad. Thank you Sophia Gathering friends.

Cleverness

2010-03-11T13:31:00.004-05:00

(I noticed that my blog template cuts the right-hand portion of the video off, so you might want to watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFicqklGuB0&)

laughlaughlaugh

{hat tip to my dear friend, Rebecca.}

Very Important Stuff

2010-03-04T09:19:00.005-05:00

A question we ask a lot in our house (mostly at the dinner table), and now I'm asking you: If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be*?

Another question: What would you do if you saw this big (BIG) red ball on your street? Would you push it?

I think I might draw things in my journal because of this artist. I like her. She inspires me.

If you really want to get your message across, try writing it on something sharp and dangerous.

The end.

*My answer: To be able to disappear and then appear anywhere I want. I know, it's not very zen. But my all-time favorite answer is Mikelle's. She can share if she wants.

Just out: Logos as you have never seen it

2010-03-01T23:00:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Faded Paper Figures! This was released on CD Baby this morning. There is a cool cover of "Logos" as well as a remix or two. Because this song is one of my favorites, I am particularly thrilled about it. Scrum-diddley-umptious!

Also, progress is being made on a new album. Maybe it will be done in April/May. It is going to be tremendous!

To do list

2010-02-18T11:32:00.006-05:00

I have family arriving for a visit today and am up to my neck in reading and responding for library classes. But this is what I do instead of cleaning the house and buckling down to study. Put something pretty on my blog. Because it's about time.

Is that a dealbreaker?

2010-02-10T23:04:00.004-05:00

One time I was making a new friend. I thought she was stylish and smart and generous. I liked talking to her. We talked about a lot of things. She made me feel good about myself. We had stuff in common.

Then she was having a hard time with things. We weren't really close enough in our friendship for me to feel like much help to her. But I tried to listen to her. And I brought her homemade treats. And probably gave her bad advice.

Then one time I told her about how I sometimes do this obsessive compulsive thing when I wash dishes where I wipe extra hard in the inside bottom crevices of my plastic drinking cups and clean out the built up residue. And she said, I think in a joking tone, "Oh great. Now I have one more thing to worry about."

Not too long after I told her about that, she stopped calling me.

I wonder now if it was just coincidental timing, or if she realized that we might not be good for each other because we might egg each other's obsessive compulsive tendencies on.

Saw this stop sign the other day

2010-01-28T22:11:00.009-05:00

If you can read the faint traces of permanent marker, you win.

When I first saw it, I only saw the word on top and thought some punk teenager with attitude (but not enough attitude to use spray paint) wrote it, thinking they were being funny. Then I saw the word on the bottom and it became a different story.

You should write that story in the comments to this post.

If you do, you are my best reader(s). For reals. I will even send you a prize. All of you!

{It says "Don't STOP Believing"}

Did you ever?

2010-01-22T13:45:00.005-05:00

Have you ever had to wear a retainer to keep your teeth straight because you used to have braces?

Did you ever wear it only at night?

Then, did you ever forget to take it out in the morning and realize it was still in while walking your kid to school and you felt like a tween and tried not to smile at anyone?

Did you ever?

Then, did you ever agree with your bad-word-obsessed child when he said something like, "I think that squirrel was saying a swear word. Do you think that's what it sounds like when squirrels swear?"

Did you?

Then, did you ever get a sympathy package from your mom and dad because you complained on your blog about how cold your life is? Huh?

Not really the season

2010-01-22T10:30:00.003-05:00

This is what we did when I told Harry that his pumpkin was getting soft. The cute little pumpkin he brought home with a bag of apples from his class field trip to a local orchard back in October. The pumpkin he didn't want to carve or bake or anything because it was just going to be decoration "as is." Until today when I told him it was starting to decay. I think we carved it just in time. Then we lit it up and turned out the lights. A wonder to behold.

Harry designed the face: triangle-square eyes, mouth with 2 fangs on top and 2 fangs on bottom.

Then he wanted me to carve its name in the back of its head. Yes, this is what he named it - and he hasn't even seen The Big Lebowski. Also, this is the photo where you can see said signs of decay. I think the fact that the orb lasted this long is proof of how cold we keep our kitchen.

Some words to chew on

2010-01-21T12:43:00.001-05:00

OLE GOLLY SAYS THERE IS AS MANY WAYS TO LIVE AS THERE ARE PEOPLE ON THE EARTH AND I SHOULDN'T GO ROUND WITH BLINDERS BUT SHOULD SEE EVERY WAY I CAN. THEN I'LL KNOW WHAT WAY I WANT TO LIVE AND NOT JUST LIVE LIKE MY FAMILY.

~from Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Curious Pages

2010-01-20T10:35:00.006-05:00

I was introduced to this hilarious little treasure by the wonderfully informative Educating Alice blog which I lurk at and which belongs to Monica Edinger, whom I have never met but would love to.

Curious Pages is my favorite blog to read these days because it reminds me to laugh. Not surprising since Lane Smith and Bob Shea are the minds behind it. You should go there and laugh, too: http://curiouspages.blogspot.com/

I wrote a poem today

2010-01-19T11:26:00.002-05:00

It makes me happy when I am writing. But I can be so unhappy when I am dwelling on how I am not writing or have not been writing. It is so emotional to be a writer. My poem is posted over at the Exponent blog.

{Photo taken this same day from my balcony.}

Handmade gift worship #4

2010-01-18T23:55:00.006-05:00

Tanner and Amber didn't stop with the cool ties and gorgeous scarf. No. They made some stamps and stamped coolness onto these attractive moleskin notebooks for me. Those two kids are a veritable homemade gift idea source. Check out how the sun wraps around the cover:

Handmade gift worship #3

2010-01-17T22:29:00.007-05:00

My sis-in-law knitted this gorgeous scarf for me. The same sis-in-law that embroidered the ties. Yah. That one. Aren't these colors stunning? The photos don't show it very well, but they are rich and beautiful. About 2/3 of it is the blueish hue and the rest is a mustard gold color. And it's CABLE KNIT. How many of you people can cable knit? How many of you even have a sister-in-law who can cable knit? This woman is amazing and if she lived here, I'd force her to teach me. I wear it everywhere and if I weren't the only person taking photos around here, I'm sure I'd have a picture of me wearing it. I look super cute with it all wrapped twice around my neck.

...stay tuned for more handmade gifts...

Exploding tomato _________ soup

2010-01-15T12:11:00.006-05:00

While the weather is too cold, I thought I'd post a little recipe enhancer, which I am going to try with some hambone soup (remember this soup, Amy? I made it again with all 15 beans!). This is only for tomato lovers. So when you make any soup with tomatoes in it, like a tomato-based lentil or a minestrone or taco soup or even chili, a really fun thing to do is throw in a bunch of grape tomatoes—especially if they are starting to get a little old/dry/wrinkled. It is so flavorful and exciting to get a bite with a whole tomato because when you bite it, it practically explodes in your mouth. Thus, the name.

Handmade gift worship #2

2010-01-14T14:29:00.019-05:00

Grandma Laurie commissioned her artist-daughter to make puppets for the kids as their 12th day of Christmas finale gift. Kathy made these blessed creatures and I'm excited to have them in my home. I love them. We still haven't named them, though.

Guy #1 (Given to Miles - I think. Actually, I would just like to say they're all mine.)

{Gazing out the window at the falling snow}

{Close-up of his furriness}

{What big eyes you have - and would you look at those eyelids and brows}

{And my, look at those lips - and those teeth}

{No, I mean, REALLY look at them}

Guy #2 (Given to Harry - I think.) Trying out some facial expressions:

{Shocked}

{Betrayed}

{Awe-inspired}

Handmade gift worship #1

2010-01-13T10:32:00.014-05:00

My brother Tanner and his wife Amber had our family for Christmas and we totally got spoiled. Among the many thoughtful gifts they sent are some super creative ones I'm going to show off.

They made (I think Amber did the actual stitching) ties for the males of the family. Harry and Miles each got a black tie with their favorite lego character embroidered onto it. John got a Faded Paper Figures "New Medium" album cover tie (look for this new album in the spring!). All 3 ties have initials or other lettering stitched on the narrow end. My photos don't do justice to their awesomeness. I'll blame it on the lighting. More gift highlights to come.

Driveling about food

2010-01-12T13:10:00.005-05:00

There is someone I know and I want to write to her all day long. I compose everything in my head. As I go along.

But I don't write it because it would be drivel.

Today I bought a big ball of fresh mozzarella at the market. An old lady said (would she feel bad that I called her an old lady?) "what are you going to do with that?" and I said "I'm going to take it home and put it in a sandwich." I did take it home and put it in a sandwich (well, not the whole ball) and it was really good. This is what else I put in the sandwich: drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, two small slices of tomato, big leaf of fresh basil, ample sprinkling of salt & pepper. All on a toasted ciabatta roll.

Should I just call her up to talk instead?

Pity my poor cold feet

2010-01-11T11:18:00.007-05:00

I am cold.

Let me start with breakfast today. I didn't eat a very good one. Just one of those healthy bar type things. But I was so cold, the idea of eating cold cereal was abhorrent to me. I didn't even like the idea of standing around the kitchen to make a hot breakfast.

The deal is we opened our gas bill this weekend and were shocked. It was phenomenal. John was shocked into winterizing the abundant windows in our apartment and other such tasks like finding firewood and buying efficient space heaters. We are figuring things out now that winter has really hit.

My frequent and repeated musings about the shock: 1) It is not like we were indulging and enjoying a cozy home last month. I was still cold-ish. But the bill clearly says to me that we should have been. We were just kindly (and unknowingly) warming the sky above the street we live on instead of our living room. 2) I feel naive and stupid and like I should have known more about getting our living quarters ready for winter, not just our wardrobes (hello, landlord). 3) I am constantly coveting smaller, more heat-efficient apartments and wishing we could move. Back to Stanford Court.

I know you are going to get sick of me talking about the cold. But it will probably be a regular topic until April. It has become my life. Coldness is my life. I even like taking a walk outside more than thinking of ways to get warm enough in my (beautiful) apartment. Cozy moments are luxuries. Please invite me over if you have the following problem: I was visiting a new friend a while back and she lives in a big apartment building downtown where her heat options are "on" and "off." When it's on it is just on and impossible to regulate. So she gets too hot and opens a window. While I have sealed off three rooms of my own apartment in order to get one slightly comfortable room to work in - with my coat still on and my feet chilled to perfection.

So there. You are free to pity me or not.

I'm now going to go make hot chocolate to pour on my feet.

Book blog beginnings

2010-01-07T09:01:00.000-05:00

I have finished the beginning of my book blog. Stop by if you so desire. It's at http://showsomespine.blogspot.com. I really, really plan on keeping it up. Maybe a weekly post. Maybe just whenever I finish a book to post about.

Also, I don't think it will be limited to controversial or challenged books, but I'm sure I will post plenty of those. But it will ALWAYS be VERY professional. It's my PROFESSIONAL blog. One reason it is professional is that, if you click on the book links and end up buying something from amazon.com, I might make money off it. Hahaha.

Sorry all my blogs are boring and white. I think it's an OCD thing. Since I can't keep anything else in my life spotless, at least I can make my electronic presence on the world wide web look clean and tidy.

A video

2010-01-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

For those that are interested, you may watch a video of us. Go to http://www.vimeo.com/8486939 and type in the password "Williams" (don't forget that capital "W" - it's case sensitive).

We love to get visitors, so plan your trip now! {Photo: In NYC with the Palmers on G's birthday - this was the best picture I got of the kids. I think it's appropriate that G and Miles are looking at the camera while M and Harry aren't. The reason I think this is because we sometimes compare the personalities of our kids and there are the guileless ones (M and Harry) and the more mischievous ones (G and Miles). Hmmm. Don't know the actual significance of looking or not looking at the camera, but whatever.}

Why wind makes you colder

2010-01-05T12:59:00.004-05:00

Walking around New Haven is nice. Even in the winter. Maybe I just think that because it's still so novel. And in a couple months, when winter is not over yet, I will think it's crappy.

But today, I was walking with John around campus. This is how it went. We walk from his office to Claire's Cornercopia and eat vegetarian food. It is here that I see a cute old lady with a cane walking through the restaurant and after she passes and is too far away to hear me, I say to John, maybe that's Claire herself. Then when she comes by again, she looks right at me and smiles. Here's where she says, "I'm Claire's mother." And she is so sweet and talks about how she also has twin boys. And when she's gone, I tell John that she must have read my mind!

Then we walk to the Yale library and between buildings we are always sufficiently bundled up and it is here that I say to John that I think it's nice, but when the wind gusts, it's not as nice. He says that no, it's tolerable until the wind gusts and then it's unbearable. And when the wind bites our faces we ask why people live here. And we go in the library and gather some books and suffocate and sweat too much in our bundled-ness and ask why people live here. We fumble with the books and our coats, hats, gloves as we bundle up to go back outside.

Now we are walking back to John's office. Here is where John (observantly) asks, why does the wind make it colder? And he makes it into a very long question, explaining how it's basically cold all around, so the wind isn't necessarily blowing colder air at us, and on and on. His question takes so long that I have enough time to come up with an answer.

This is my answer and it's very scientific. 1) In science they talk about cold being the absence of heat. 2) We all have a layer of warm air around us from our body heat. 3) When the wind blows at us, it blows that warm air away.

John says, OK. That sounds about right. You are a scientist, Brooke.

It's my blog anyways

2010-01-03T19:03:00.003-05:00

I was reading my friend Ann Dee's writing blog and it got me wishing I was a writer so I could start a writer's blog with other really good writers.

Ann Dee is a person I wish I lived next door to because I admire her so much and because everyone needs friends they can be goofy with and I think I could be goofy with her and also, if we were neighbors, then I would get to see her everyday or so. We could swap babysitting and borrow kitchen ingredients from each other and loan each other movies and books. This is what I fantasize about.

I also fantasize about being a writer. I was thinking that maybe I could pretend I'm a writer (less pressure than actually being a writer) and have a blog where I just write the kind of stuff writers write. But then I was like, hey. I already have a blog. I can do my pretending on it if I want to. Who ever said I had to only post stuff that is awesome and makes me look really good? Who?

Therefore, I'm going to break out of my autoblogging mode. This is my blog and it can be whatever kind of blog I make it (my title certainly doesn't limit me). So, you can be forewarned that it may, at any future point, contain my [pretend] writer's garbage - or vomit, if you will.

Goal #1 for 2010

2010-01-01T01:11:00.000-05:00

See this movie:

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Snow today

2009-12-31T19:14:00.006-05:00

I shoveled the driveway. It felt immensely good. I'll probably be sore tomorrow.

Online photo stuff: PLEASE RESPOND

2009-12-04T11:54:00.005-05:00

Ok, readers. I need your advice. Tell me what company you use to print digital photos, make photo books, make calendars and Christmas cards. Then tell me why. I'm getting more serious about getting prints and books done and want to know from people with experience. Do you use kodak, shutterfly, blurb, snapfish, etc.? Which is your favorite? Feedback desperately requested. Thanks in advance!

I think I need a green sweater

2009-11-18T13:33:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-15T23:34:00.003-05:00

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...

2009-11-02T14:03:00.010-05:00

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

2009-10-28T13:26:00.002-04:00

{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

2009-10-22T16:16:00.005-04:00

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

2009-10-19T14:28:00.007-04:00

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

{via The Apple and the Egg}

On experiencing real autumn again

2009-10-13T22:38:00.012-04:00

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?

2009-10-06T21:42:00.003-04:00

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

2009-10-02T14:00:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-15T08:40:00.023-04:00

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

2009-09-04T15:06:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-18T19:40:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-16T17:03:00.012-04:00

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"

2009-08-15T15:07:00.000-04:00

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

2009-08-08T22:33:00.002-04:00

but i miss all my friends
Originally uploaded by Julien Kedryna

Just a little humid

2009-07-31T15:18:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-07-27T21:40:00.006-04:00

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

2009-07-25T15:22:00.005-04:00

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

Sorry about the delay

2009-07-19T22:10:00.007-04:00

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.

2009-07-14T14:04:00.014-04:00

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

2009-07-06T15:01:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-24T18:50:00.000-04:00

{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

2009-05-31T21:37:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-29T00:43:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-28T02:59:00.000-04:00

Taking a bow, rock star that he is.

{Photo credit: Tatiana Jimenez}

Handmade earrings

2009-05-28T02:10:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-28T02:07:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-28T02:04:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-26T16:15:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-26T14:21:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-26T14:08:00.000-04:00

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: